MINSK, 10 September (BelTA) – Belarus-Russia bilateral relations have passed a test of strength in the face of the external pressure, Belarusian Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko said at a meeting of the Council of Ministers of the Union State in Minsk on 10 September, BelTA has learned.
"We have come a long way in the matter of building the Union State. We have developed the necessary legal framework, created the conditions to ensure equal socio-economic rights of citizens, cooperate systemically in the field of foreign policy and defense policy. We have maintained high volumes of mutual trade, implemented joint programs and landmark projects, including in nuclear energy and space," Roman Golovchenko said.
The Union State of Belarus and Russia has become the locomotive of integration in the post-Soviet space, creating the necessary prerequisites for the emergence of the EAEU, the prime minister said. "In the face of the unprecedented pressure from third countries, bilateral relations have passed a test of strength. We find solutions to all pressing issues, receive support, which enables Belarus to maintain positive dynamics of economic development and ensure social protection of the population. Thanks to the measures taken, the trade between our countries in H1 2021 increased by 35% and amounted to almost $18 billion. The Russian Federation accounts for almost half of Belarus' foreign trade. Belarus, in turn, is among the five countries with which Russia has the largest trade," he said.
"Last year, we promptly responded to new epidemiological challenges, took joint measures to minimize the negative impact of the coronavirus infection. I express my gratitude to the Russian side for the supply of vaccines and the transfer of production technologies. I also want to say words of gratitude for lifting a number of restrictions on the movement of citizens between our countries and the maximum involvement of Belavia. I hope that similar decisions will be made with regard to other areas of transport in the near future," Roman Golovchenko emphasized.
