AMUR OBLAST, 12 April (BelTA) - Russia had no doubt that Belarus would lend it a helping hand in a difficult situation, Russian President Vladimir Putin told the media after the talks with Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko at the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Russia's Amur Oblast on 12 April, BelTA has learned.
Journalists asked the Russian head of state how he views statements when Belarusians are called the little brothers of the Russians, and how appropriate such a comparison is, especially in light of the recent events.
“Not little but true brothers. We have always treated Belarus that way. Nothing has changed here over the past few months. We have never had any doubts that it would be Belarusians to give us a shoulder to lean on. It has always been like that throughout our centuries-old history,” said Vladimir Putin.
Aleksandr Lukashenko, in turn, said that the Russian president had never called the Belarusians little brothers. The Belarusian head of state does not see anything offensive in these words. “This is my terminology, as you know. I have always said about Belarusians as Russia's little brothers,” the president said.
According to him, the two countries have been developing truly brotherly relations. Belarus and Russia are ready to back each other at any moment and support each other in difficult situations. Aleksandr Lukashenko pointed out that Russia helped Belarus develop a variety of competencies, including in the military space, nuclear and biotechnology sectors.
