MOSCOW, 18 June (BelTA) – Belarus-Russia mutual trade increased by 18% in January-April 2021, Belarus' Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei told the media after the talks with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Moscow on 18 June, BelTA has learned.
“I am pleased to note that the mutual trade in the first four months of the year grew almost 18% in comparison with January-April 2020. Vibrant mutual trade and the completion of some economic integration programs serve well in strengthening our countries, forming a single economic platform of the Union State, and contributing to the people's welfare. This is a worthy answer to those who like to punish the ‘stubborn' Belarusians and Russians with sanctions,” Vladimir Makei said.
Vladimir Makei stressed that Russia has always been and will remain the most important partner of Belarus. “Despite all the objective difficulties, Belarusian-Russian relations continue to progress. The preservation of the usual formats of interaction at the difficult time of the pandemic is of special importance,” he said.
The minister praised the intensive level of the Belarusian-Russian cooperation this year, including the interaction between the presidents of the two countries and the prime ministers, and also cross-industry cooperation. Interregional ties play an important role in the Belarusian-Russian relations. He added that the parties are gearing up for the Belarusian-Russian Forum of Regions which is to take place in the near future. The forum always hosts the signing of major business contracts.
