Russia praises Belarus' defensive screen in response to NATO's growing potential

MOSCOW, 15 May (BelTA) – A reliable defensive screen in response to NATO's growing potential near Belarus' borders has been created in Belarus. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs made the statement in connection with an official visit of Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Aleinik to Russia on 15-17 May, BelTA has learned.

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed: “Thanks to the joint regional military force that has been deployed in Belarus western borders of the Union State of Belarus and Russia and the Collective Security Treaty Organization are well-protected, a defensive screen has been created against NATO's collective forces, which potential in neighboring countries is on the rise.”

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also noted that without an exaggeration Belarus-Russia relations can be cited as an example of how equal and mutually beneficial interstate cooperation should be built while the level of interaction within the framework of the Union State of Belarus and Russia can be used as a reference point for other integration associations in the post-Soviet space.

The source stated: “Belarus is the closest ally and a strategic partner of Russia. Our countries are connected by longstanding traditions of friendship and mutual aid, by cultural and spiritual affinity, common historical past and prospects for the future. Belarus and Russia fruitfully interact within the framework of the Union State of Belarus and Russia in a broad range of avenues. Close attention is paid to ensuring equal rights of citizens of the two countries in the area of social security, access to education and medical aid. Mutually beneficial cooperation actively develops in foreign policy, trade and economy, defense, military technology, migration, interparliamentary affairs, interregional affairs, cultural and humanitarian affairs and other ones. Every year at the expense of the Union State budget (it is as large as nearly RUB6 billion in 2023) various joint programs and projects are realized in the area of security, healthcare, R&D, and other spheres.”

BelTA reported earlier that Sergei Aleinik's visit will last through 17 May. The Belarusian minister of foreign affairs is expected to meet with heads of both chambers of the Russian parliament – Chairwoman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Valentina Matviyenko and Chairman of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Vyacheslav Volodin. He will also hold negotiations with Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov.