According to information agencies, Alexander Lukashenko and Dmitry Medvedev chatted for about two and a half hours, critically assessing the state of Belarusian-Russian relations and stating that they could be improved upon to meet the status of a strategic partnership. Certain problems were mentioned, with the heads of state convinced that solutions must be found in the near future. The presidents have agreed to take practical steps to restore a high level of partnership between our two countries, from this meeting onwards.
Mr. Lukashenko especially remarked on the need to ensure a fully-operational Single Economic Space for Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia from January 1st, 2012. Belarus has borne serious expenses on joining this project but the Single Economic Space will be essential to create equal conditions for citizens and companies in member states. The Russian President agreed with this position.
The heads of state consider it necessary to activate relations between Belarus and Russia within the Union State. They have preliminarily agreed to organise a Union State Supreme State Council meeting in November.
The discussion also tackled the construction of a nuclear power station in Belarus, with the Head of Rosatom Corporation, Sergey Kirienko, ordered to ensure the signing of all necessary agreements regarding construction and loans in September. These are to follow the scheme and terms used by Russia in the Kaliningrad Region.
Continuing their talks at a recent OSCE informal summit, Mr. Lukashenko and Mr. Medvedev tackled the topic of this organisation’s efficient functioning. They also discussed issues within the international arena, debating in detail prospects for our countries’ co-operation with Ukraine.
The Belarusian President also told his Russian colleague in detail about the Belarusian delegation’s visit to Qatar and the resulting agreements, while explaining prospects for collaboration with Venezuela.
