Meeting of leaders of Russia and Belarus on main online platform of the forum becomes opportunity to reconcile positions on "union" issues

1 июля 2021

Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, the participants of the forum of the regions had to communicate by video link. But in any case, this large-scale event is always held under the patronage of the presidents. Such attention shows the role of the regions in strengthening the partnership of the two countries at all levels - in trade, cooperation and the humanitarian sphere. In a word, the regions are the backbone of integration, the basis of close ties between Belarus and Russia. Another meeting of the leaders is an opportunity to compare positions on the most fundamental "union" issues. And not only of regional importance. Today, when the external pressure has moved into the economic plane, the value of mutual support between Minsk and Moscow is only growing. This year, the Russian capital and the Moscow Region were waiting for these meetings of experts, politicians, businessmen. And once again we have to reach an agreement at a distance. Moscow is breaking all the "records" during the pandemic, and the Belarusian participants are giving up their tickets! The three-day negotiating marathon once again takes place on both sides of the screens. Even if many people are ready to argue that it is impossible to get the most out of the communication via videoconferencing, the statistics is stubborn. Last year's Forum, which also did not see the handshake of entrepreneurs and manufacturers, yet became the most successful, exceeding the bar of $ 700 million! But how much more is to come this year? The cooperation between Belarus and Russia from the strategic point of view Minsk is a foundation of Moscow's trade partners. In the Commonwealth of Independent States it is the leader! Last year, the pandemic squeezed mutual trade. But stagnation was avoided. About 8 thousand enterprises on both sides of the border are cooperating. The speaker of the Upper Chamber of the Parliament of Russia Valentina Matvienko, opening the today's forum, would say simply: the level of our integration is unparalleled. But it would hardly be the same without political will of the leaders. Alexander Lukashenko called the Forum of Regions a unique platform. Hardly anywhere else the lawmakers are so closely involved in resolving economic issues. In short, solid amounts of contracts is what this forum is famous for. And it will definitely be even more! The geopolitical situation makes the allies stick together. That's what the presidents said in the phone conversation ahead of today's online meeting!


Alexander Lukashenko, President of Belarus: The conclusion we drew from our conversation: we will not just withstand the attacks that have been launched against our states. We will use (as the Russian Federation did when sanctions were imposed against it) this moment to strengthen economic cooperation and make our states absolutely independent not only in terms of economy. This is the result of our negotiations.


Perhaps, there are no such projects that would be beyond the power of allies. Alexander Lukashenko calls the BelNPP the most grand and successful Belarusian-Russian project, which will certainly find continuation!


Alexander Lukashenko, President of Belarus: Russia has not only responded to Belarus' request to build a nuclear power plant, but Vladimir Putin has supported the request of the Belarusian leader to involve domestic experts in the construction of the facility so that they could gain valuable experience in such unique projects. We have also agreed with the president of Russia that if necessary (and there is such a need already), we are ready to work with the Russians on such projects outside Belarus and Russia.


Covid pandemic was a test for everyone - for allies, too. And to put a stop to it, we acted together. Alexander Lukashenko would like to thank Russia for assistance, vaccines and technology. But there is something in the relationship between Minsk and Moscow that is hardly less important today. We have to repulse attacks of another kind, too. А. Lukashenko said that sanctions are attempts to eliminate economic rivals.