Two big summits held in Moscow

Sergey Gusachenko: The summits of the Eurasian Economic Council and Union State Supreme Council were held in Moscow. The session of the Union State Supreme Council was dedicated to the bilateral relations of Belarus and Russia. All CIS associations are based on the Union State of Belarus and Russia. While opening the meeting Alexander Lukashenko noted that the Union State should be an ice-breaker in managing the most complicated issues. Belarus and Russia have built reliable links in all spheres from economy to culture. The trade turnover between Belarus and Russia amounts to 40bn USD and Belarus ranks 1st among the Russia's trade partners in the CIS and 5th among its partners in the world. Belarus buys a lot of raw, materials and spare parts in Russia and indirectly employs 10 million Russian people.

The integration of Belarus and Russia is a wholesome unit, which encompasses economic issues, politics, defense, security and customs issues. The principal objective of the current meeting is consolidation of the Eurasian Economic Union. Russia is our principal trade partner, strategic ally and the main investor. The construction of an NPP alone costs a lot. 20% of the Russian oil transit passes through Belarus. Dozens of Russian Governors visited Minsk this year and 37 Belarusian delegations attended various regions of Russia. The agenda of the day includes over a dozen of issues most of them related to economy. 2013 gives hope. Over 20 investment projects with Russian capital are implemented in Belarus. Big industrial holdings will be created. MAZ, MZKT and Integral may unite their efforts with Russia. In 2014 the budget will be almost 5bn USD.

Russia is going to give Belarus an additional credit of 2bn USD.

Dmitry Kirilenko, head of the department of researches and investment policy: The credit will contribute to macroeconomic stabilization of situation on Belarus.
Valery Polkovsky, analyst: This is a mutually beneficial credit. It will help Belarus to improve the payment credit and Russia will achieve the economic stability in the borderline zone.

Mikhail Kovelev, the dean of the economic department of the Belarusian State University: The success of our economy is going to stimulate the economy of Belarus. The credit of 2bn USD is going to support our gold reserves and make the currency markets more stable.

The international structure is going to sustain the instruments of mutual support and create comfortable conditions for economy.