Lukashenko mentions nationwide support in Belarus for cooperation with Russia
President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko has stated that the course towards cooperation with Russia enjoys popular support in Belarus, which was also demonstrated by the results of the recent presidential elections. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko made this statement during negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as reported by a BELTA correspondent.
"I have thought a lot about what can be said about our relations. They have indeed, as you said, reached a very high level. We are creating a unique entity in the form of a Union State, the likes of which have not existed in history. We are forging an uncharted path. It is not easy. But, as you mentioned, we have a good mirror where we can see our progress. And that mirror is the economy, trade and economic relations. And every year (despite all the problems – they existed and will exist) we are growing. This indicates that we are moving in the right direction," the President said.
Speaking about the presidential elections held in Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko noted that during such political campaigns, the question of a certain choice of vector between East and West always arises one way or another.
"Our elections are always one side and the other. The other side, as they said in a famous movie, ran away. A small part fled to the West. But still, they are in Belarus, they are hiding. Somewhere someone is silent," the head of state stated.
In this regard, he noted the very high voter turnout in the past elections and the percentage of votes cast in support of the incumbent President. "Although there were restraining factors from all sides. Everyone was holding back our people. In the media (opposition. - BELTA's note) and so on, so that they would not go to the polls," Alexander Lukashenko noted.
The President emphasized that almost 87% of voters voted in his support. "And this was a vote: 'We are with Russia, our eastern vector, is our cradle here or somewhere else?' Well, here is the answer. The people gave an answer. And we have this question, as the main question, quietly, non-publicly, it has always been there. This is a feature of all our elections. Therefore, do not doubt at all. Not only I, but my colleagues - members of the government, deputies - are supporters of our closest relations," the head of state said. - We confirmed this in our common struggle today, the edge of which is the conflict in Ukraine. We have always adhered to a similar course. And it is very important that the people demonstrated this. Our people perfectly understand where our friends are, and where our opponents, enemies, and rivals are."
Alexander Lukashenko thanked his colleague for the start of the official visit. "This demonstration is necessary for Belarusians and Russians, that we are together. That we are sovereign independent states, but at the same time we are kindred people. That we will continue to promote," said the head of state.