MINSK, 30 December (BelTA) – Belarus and Russia have yet to come to terms on natural gas, oil, and taxes as part of the negotiations on tighter integration of the two countries. First Deputy Prime Minister of Belarus Dmitry Krutoi made the relevant statement on the air of the TV channel Belarus One, BelTA has learned.
Dmitry Krutoi said: “The three issues raised in the wake of the latest meeting of the presidents in St Petersburg still stand. Those are natural gas, oil, and certain issues with taxation. The rest of the package has been reconciled. We hope that by the end of the year there will be some contact at the level of the leaders of our countries and they will come up with solutions to these issues. The arguments of the sides are understandable. We just need a political decision.”
The official also stressed that there are no plans to stop using the Belarusian ruble and switch to another currency as part of the integration effort. “No such negotiations are in progress,” First Deputy Prime Minister of Belarus Dmitry Krutoi said.
Dmitry Krutoi also spoke about the matter of dropping roaming charges between Belarus and Russia. “A lot of discussions with Belarusian and Russian mobile carriers have taken place. I am glad that the regulatory authorities have finally come to terms. Roaming charges will be dropped on 1 September 2020. Our citizens will be able to congratulate each other on New Year at rates that will be very similar. The rates will not be the same but the difference will be miniscule,” he said.
