Lukashenko receives Belarus' Ambassador to Russia Dmitry Krutoi

Head of State Alexander Lukashenko received the Ambassador of Belarus to Russia, Dmitry Krutoy, with a comprehensive report on issues of Belarusian-Russian cooperation, a BELTA correspondent reports.

At the beginning of the meeting, the Head of State outlined a number of key issues for discussion. These include the state of trade and economic cooperation and the dynamics in this area, the development of interaction with the regions of Russia, the need to resolve certain emerging problematic issues, the implementation of union programs, and logistics for the supply of domestic goods abroad. Another topic is the upcoming Eurasian Economic Forum in Moscow this week.

"And other minor issues that we have always had. I know you are keeping them under control. How are they being resolved? Both in Moscow, and in the Moscow region, and in Russia as a whole," the Head of State asked.

Economy and Trade

"First of all, the foundation is the economy. As economists, we understand perfectly well that without it, there can be no relations. I know the figures, I know that both trade turnover has increased, and we have finally achieved a positive balance. That is, trade is balanced. I am interested in the dynamics, the trends," said Alexander Lukashenko. "You remember perfectly well, working in the Administration (of the President of Belarus. - BELTA's note), in the government, what the situation in trade with Russia was like. We always encountered some barriers, obstacles, and so on. What has changed in this regard? Clearly, something has changed. But you, with fresh eyes, being in this 'cauldron,' can see it better. And you can simply list the areas that have changed. For the better, for the worse, and so on."

Cooperation with Regions

"We have always said that our success in Russia is the regions. I see, I observe - you travel a lot in the regions. And this is correct. Governors come to us. We receive them at the highest level. What is the dynamic here as well? What is the attitude there, on the ground, towards Belarus, Belarusian products? In general, what is the image of Belarus in this vast Russian space?" Alexander Lukashenko outlined another topic for discussion.

Resolving Problematic Nodes

The Head of State noted that he and Russian President Vladimir Putin meet often. "But this is not to look at each other. Although this is also important - the moods of the presidents are always important. Nevertheless, we have tried to help the governments untangle some knots, including you," the President said.

He inquired whether all issues had been resolved on the Belarusian side, and if there were any questions for the presidents and governments. "As the government reports to me, there are almost no problems. I don't quite believe it. I see from the situation that there are still problems, some inconsistencies. Sometimes bureaucracy. Who is to blame for this? So that, meeting the day after tomorrow in Moscow, President of Russia Putin and I can discuss and resolve the problems that should not exist in our relations at all," the Belarusian leader stated.

Union Programs

Another block of issues for the meeting is cooperation on the implementation of union programs in various fields. "We talk about this a lot. But I am more interested in specific programs here. As we called them, import substitution and so on. Remember, Russia was ready to allocate up to $1.5 billion (for this. - BELTA note). And I am sure they are not refusing now if they have under-lent up to this amount somewhere. They were ready to allocate funds - credit resources - to replace those areas that became vacant after the withdrawal of the Americans and the West as a whole, and other unfriendly countries from our markets. Like microelectronics," said Alexander Lukashenko.

Logistics

The President emphasized that neither Russia nor Belarus has been strangled by the West. "Largely thanks to the fact that Russia and I took on this burden together. We use Russian logistics routes. These are their ports, railways, and road transport. What are the problems here?" the head of state inquired.

"I know you have delved into and are simply obliged to control our port facilities, which we are developing in Russia. The railway direction. Where are the bottlenecks? We agreed with Russia that we would resolve them. Naturally, road transport. Cabotage transportation, and so on and so forth," said the President.

Eurasian Vector

"The day after tomorrow, as I have already said, we have the EAEU forum (the II Eurasian Economic Forum will be held in Moscow on May 24-25, as well as a meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council. - BELTA note). I would like to know your point of view on what should be the main focus at this forum and in negotiations within the EAEU. As a representative of Belarus in integration structures, you probably know the situation in this regard better than others," Alexander Lukashenko outlined one of the meeting topics.

Source: