Negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin

Belarus and Russia will continue the policy in favor of stronger integration. Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko made the statement during expanded negotiations with President of Russia Vladimir Putin in the Palace of Independence in Minsk on 24 May.

Aleksandr Lukashenko said: "Against all odds Minsk and Moscow preserve the policy in favor of stronger integration. We support each other and will support in all areas. Moreover, our projects have already gone beyond the earth surface."

During the restricted-attendance meeting the heads of state exchanged opinions about the most sensitive topics on the bilateral agenda, on which the state of the economy and the stable development of the states depend. The international situation was touched upon. Options for responding to risks and challenges emerging along the border perimeter were discussed.

According to the head of state, the parties plan to continue work on the implementation of joint import-substituting projects in microelectronics, mechanical engineering, machine-tool construction, military-technical cooperation. "In other words, these are the areas that ensure the achievement of the goals of technological sovereignty and economic security of our states. You, Vladimir Vladimirovich, and I have made all the necessary decisions. The governments should implement them as soon as possible," the Belarusian leader stressed.

"First of all, it is necessary to promptly finalize the formation of a common industrial policy of the Union State. Both sides will benefit from it," Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

In this regard, he noted that many assembly lines at the enterprises of Belarus and Russia work on each other's components. "There should not be any protective measures against partners at the legislative level. We should protect ourselves from those who have imposed sanctions against us and also from those who do not contribute to the development of the economies of the two countries," the president said.