Lukashenko to Putin: Belarusian people will be happy to know that you have come to us

Belarusian people will be very glad to learn about the official visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Belarus – as stated by President Aleksandr Lukashenko at a meeting after the Russian leader’s arrival, BelTA reports

photo: www.president.gov.by

"While driving here, I was thinking that we already have a tradition: we always have no time to start negotiations at daytime. We are always talking until midnight. I think it’s okay. You have had a hard day today. The negotiations with the King of Bahrain were quite difficult," the President of Belarus said.

"They were pleasant," the Russian leader noted.

"That’s good. It means you now have even more friends. So I am welcoming you in the Belarusian land that is native to you. Belarusians will be very glad to know that you have come to us. It is one of your first visits after the [presidential] elections, after the visit to our friends – the People's Republic of China,” the Head of State said.

"I think we will put security issues at the forefront – as usual. We will discuss economic issues together with our colleagues from the governments tomorrow,” the Head of State said.

In turn, Vladimir Putin noted that, before coming to Minsk, he had discussed the issues of co-operation with Belarus with the Russian government members, “We talked about my visit to you and touched upon almost all areas [in our conversation] – including industrial co-operation, energy, agriculture, and security issues. There were probably a half of all government members present. Some of them will come and participate in the negotiations tomorrow. Those who are not coming have sent greetings and the best wishes to Belarus. A lot has been done by our colleagues recently, with your direct participation and support.”