MINSK, 30 June (BelTA) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov talked to the press after a meeting with Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko in Minsk on 30 June, BelTA has learned.
It was a long, confidential and useful conversation. One of the topics of the meeting, according to the minister, was the development of the Union State and the implementation of the 28 integration programs. They have been integrated into practical solutions at 40% and are beginning to work for the economies and social sectors of the two countries. "In this context we have agreed to approximate our laws in several other areas, to equalize the rights of our citizens, which will be useful for the daily life of Russians and Belarusians," the minister said.
The second important topic discussed at the meeting was the foreign policy of Belarus and Russia. It was stressed that both countries will maintain that their legitimate interests, especially in the field of security, should be respected.
"Russia and Belarus will firmly maintain that their legitimate security interests in an era when NATO continues to act very aggressively are respected. We always stand for dialogue. We always stand for the decisions that ensure equality and balance of interests," Sergey Lavrov said.
The meeting also discussed the development of bilateral contacts, including between governments and parliaments. The 9th installment of the Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia kicked off in Grodno on 30 June. The two countries are planning to expand the consular presence. The Consulate General of Russia will open in Grodno soon, and the offices of the Belarusian embassy in some Russian cities will be transformed into consulates. "We reaffirm our commitment to the coordinated policy in the international arena," Sergey Lavrov said.
