Working visit to the Russian Federation. Talks with Vladimir Putin

Belarus and Russia have made substantial progress in reconciling the Union State programs, Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he met with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin on 22 April.

“We are making good progress on our Union State programs. Remember, we started from maps [road maps]. Very important programs. Probably, 26 or 27 programs have already been reconciled at the government level. There is not much left - two or three key programs related to economy, including taxes; it is a well-known program, the decision on which was taken in Minsk,” the president said. “So, I agree with you. We are making progress little by little. But there are hot-button topics, on which we have to work harder, including security and defense of our Union State of Belarus and Russia. Although generally speaking, we’ve been managing and will manage. But we will draw the lines that no one is allowed to cross and we will give a proper answer to those, who don’t understand that one has to be calmer and be friendly in this crazy world.”

Aleksandr Lukashenko reminded that the heads of state put together an action program in late 2020. The presidents of Belarus and Russia have met twice in Sochi recently to discuss various routine matters and strategic ones.

“The last time we agreed that our governments will work seriously in Minsk. I thank you, [Prime Minister of Russia] Mikhail Vladimirovich [Mishustin, who recently led a Russian delegation to Belarus]. He came and spoke like an academician. Well done. It was a very powerful presentation. He talked about economy, finance, taxation, tax administration, about the effectiveness of the taxation system. I will say later, we came to a certain joint conclusion,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

“You and I agreed that after these matters are reviewed, we will meet once again and discuss these matters,” the Belarus president added.

Aleksandr Lukashenko also remarked that a Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia will take place in summer. It will be held in Moscow Oblast this year. “And then we will decide on an autumn session of the Supreme State Council, during which we will be able to formalize all our agreements by signing certain documents,” the Belarusian leader stated.

Aleksandr Lukashenko spoke in positive terms about the address of Vladimir Putin to the Russian parliament.

Aleksandr Lukashenko said: “First of all, I would like to congratulate you on the end of another presidential period, I’d say, a very difficult and intense one. The annual address by the president is always a great deal of work. A work of very many people. But the president still carries the burden. He has to determine what the address will be. We’ve noticed a strong humane note in this address. I absolutely agree with the conclusions that have been made. I strongly support the focus you put on people in this address.”

Aleksandr Lukashenko pointed out that countries encounter similar demographic problems, this is why it is necessary to take measures to bolster the birthrate and support large families. “We offer virtually the same support, we provide support for people, particularly large families. It is a priority in our country. This is why it is met with approval in Belarus,” he noted.

The Russian leader noted that during the negotiations they will have to discuss a broad range of matters: fundamental things relating to bilateral relations and cooperation in multilateral formats. “But first despite all the hot-button topics we will surely talk about today, I would like to note that our relations are developing successfully. Despite the pandemic and a certain decrease in trade turnover, the trade volume is still nearly $30 billion today. I am convinced that everything will be restored in full,” Vladimir Putin stated.

The Russian president said that both sides continue working on improving the legal framework of the Union State of Belarus and Russia. “Indeed, we will have to do a lot, but nevertheless, a lot has been accomplished. Particularly regarding the social sphere. Our citizens enjoy equal rights in the social sphere: pensions, employment, healthcare. A lot of positive things have been accomplished already,” he stressed.

Vladimir Putin went on saying that the sides will have to compare notes and come to an agreement on a number of topics. “The overall work proceeds rather well across the board. Our teams are working quite effectively. I mean the government team and teams representing the administrations and, as we can see now, teams representing the intelligence services,” he noted.

In his words, Belarus and Russia are also busy advancing interaction in the spheres of military technology cooperation and security “in the broadest sense of the word”.