President discusses cooperation development with Russia-Belarus Union State Secretary

18 февраля 2021

The development of interaction between countries was discussed today at the meeting between the President and Secretary of State of the Union State Grigory Rapota. Over the years of integration, the total trade turnover has increased almost 6 times. Belarusian exports to Russia have grown in about the same way. There are significant successes in ensuring the equal rights of citizens of our countries in education, medicine, employment.

Today more than 8 000 enterprises of two states are connected by cooperation. Thanks to close economic ties, our country has become the 4th largest foreign trade partner for Russia. The only thing that Belarus insists on is the creation of truly equal conditions for business entities.

Speaking at the All-Belarusian People's Assembly, the President stressed his commitment to integration and partnership with the Russian Federation. The Secretary of State also took part in the forum, where a variety of issues were raised.

Despite any sanctions, Belarus and Russia can cope with the challenges and fully provide themselves with everything they need. Alexander Lukashenko expressed his confidence in this at the meeting. The countries together can successfully work in all areas from space to biotechnology. We can get a good result together despite the pandemic.

The President presented the Order of Honor to Grigory Rapota. He was awarded for his significant personal contribution to the development of integration, union building, strengthening of friendly relations and the unity of the peoples of Belarus and Russia.

Grigory Rapota, State Secretary of the Union State"The integration is needed, it is necessary for the well-being of the peoples."

He believes that joint large projects should be implemented to strengthen relations. 
The term of office of the Secretary of State of the Union State expires. He plans to complete his work in this post, but the official decision has not yet been made. As Grigory Rapota has emphasized, despite the changes, it is important to maintain the dynamics of integration processes and to help resolve the problems that remain in bilateral relations. And this was also discussed at the meeting with the President.