Lukashenko meets with head of another Russian region

Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko continues a series of meetings with heads of Russian regions. A big delegation of the Republic of Tuva led by the region’s head Vladislav Khovalyg has arrived in Minsk on its first visit, BelTA has learned.

“This is a historic day, because you have come to Minsk for the first time,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said welcoming the head of the Russian region. “I am convinced that your visit will become a landmark event opening up new cooperation opportunities in the name of our brotherly nations. I really hope so and I strongly believe that it will be so. Otherwise, what is the point of making such a long way over here?”

“We need to lay a strong foundation for our cooperation,” the Belarusian leader emphasized. According to him, the bilateral trade leaves much to be desired for various reasons. “Yet, there is room for growth and there is a lot of work ahead. I am convinced that this potential is enormous. We just need to fulfill our plans and aspirations. In the near future, we are set to increase our trade manifold (and I believe you are ready for this, too). However, for this we need to outline the main priorities, and this is the reason we have gathered here today,” the president noted.

Aleksandr Lukashenko assured that Belarus is ready to take immediate steps to promote cooperation. “I am sure you are ready for this, too. You know the Belarus-Russia policy, our attitude towards Russia, and when making decisions today, we will not go beyond what we have already outlined with the president of the Russian Federation. And even if we do, I think the Russian leadership will welcome this,” the head of state said.