Meeting of Lukashenko, Putin began at Palace of Independence in Minsk
A meeting between President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko and President of Russia Vladimir Putin has begun in Minsk. The Russian leader, who has arrived in the republic on a two-day official visit, came to the Independence Palace in the afternoon, immediately after laying a wreath at the Victory Monument. The distinguished guest was greeted with all the solemn attributes, with the participation of the Honour Guard Company, a military orchestra, and the performance of the anthems of the two countries. A traditional ceremony of photographing the presidents then followed.
As already reported, the official talks of the heads of state will be held first in a narrow and then in an expanded format. The parties will discuss the state and prospects for the development of the entire complex of Belarusian-Russian relations: the integration agenda and the implementation of decisions taken at the Supreme State Council of the Union State, political dialogue, promotion of joint trade, economic and co-operative projects, strengthening security, co-operation in the humanitarian sphere. Traditionally, the focus will be also on an international agenda, the situation in the region, and joint response to emerging challenges and threats.
Last night, Aleksandr Lukashenko welcomed his colleague at the airport upon his arrival in Minsk. The heads of state warmly greeted each other, spoke in the presence of journalists about the agenda of the upcoming negotiations, and then left the airport together to continue informal communication.
