Video address to participants of 13th Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia

The regions create the material foundation that makes the Union State of Belarus and Russia viable and resilient to external challenges, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said in a video address to the participants of the 13th Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia.

“The theme of the 13th forum, dedicated to economic cooperation between regions as a factor of sustainable development, is highly relevant. I have repeatedly emphasized that the most important thing for us is the economy. The well-being of citizens, the security and sovereignty of our countries depend on its level of development and on strengthening industrial and agricultural potential. It is the regions that form the material basis that makes the Union State viable and resistant to external challenges,” the head of state said.

Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that Minsk and Minsk Oblast, which are hosting the forum this year, are the heart of Belarus. The industrial, scientific, and cultural potential of the country is concentrated here, and about half of the national GDP is generated in this region.

“This is where key industrial and agricultural enterprises are located, whose products are known worldwide and in high demand, including in the Russian Federation. Among them are BelAZ, MAZ, MTZ, Integral, Planar, Dzerzhinsky Agro-Industrial Complex, and many others,” the President said.

Aleksandr Lukashenko expressed confidence that the 13th Forum of Regions will be held at the highest level and will become a new growth point for the brotherly countries and peoples. He wished all participants good health, peace, and productive work.

The head of state noted that amid sanction pressure, Belarus and Russia have managed to adapt to new logistical routes, establish settlement mechanisms independent of the jurisdictions of unfriendly countries, and maintain the pace of industrial growth.

“We are building new production facilities together, exchanging innovations, developing tourism, and supporting youth. Each of these endeavors is not just economic statistics, but the living fabric of kin relations, which grows stronger every year,” the Belarusian leader emphasized. “It is particularly gratifying that trade between our countries demonstrates steady growth. The qualitative content of such cooperation is equally important.”

Aleksandr Lukashenko stated that Belarus and Russia are confidently moving from simple trade to creating full-fledged manufacturing clusters, knowledge-intensive industries, and joint projects.

“But behind any economic achievements always lies the hard work of people,” he emphasized.

The head of state addressed words of gratitude to the heads of Belarus’ regions and the leaders of the federal subjects of Russia: “It is you who turn strategic agreements into real deeds and achievements. You are the main architects of real cooperation. The strength and longevity of the ties between our countries depend on your initiative, personal involvement, and readiness to move forward together.”

“Belarus and Russia are allies in spirit. We are united not only by economic ties, but also by a common culture, spiritual and moral values, historical memory, and loyalty to the heroic deed of the generation of victors. We build for the sake of the future of the peoples of Belarus and Russia. We are glad to welcome here all people of good will who are ready for honest partnership and open dialogue,” the Belarusian leader said.

The head of state also made a separate appeal to the kin Russian people. “We live in a complex and unpredictable time. We did not choose it; this time chose us. Therefore, we must accomplish the tasks that lie ahead of us. And we will do it!” he stressed.