MINSK, 17 November (BelTA) - Belarus and Russia have always been together and will remain so; no one will be able to tear apart their unity, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he met with Governor of Russia's Rostov Oblast Yury Slyusar on 17 November, BelTA has learned.
The head of state emphasized the importance of preserving and developing the relationship between the two countries, especially amid the current difficult conditions. “The external pressure is colossal. I won’t point fingers or give details; you know perfectly well what I’m referring to. Therefore, we must hold our ground. Belarus and Russia have always been together and will remain so. No one will be able to break our unity, no matter how much someone might want to. Our people, our nations, will not allow it. We must endure this. We must hold on. This is the main thing,” said the Belarusian leader.
This cooperation is based on numerous factors, including cultural and historical commonality, as well as interpersonal contacts. However, the president believes that the economy must come first. It plays the most crucial role; it is the main thing that should unite the two states. “We don’t need to walk around here with Rossotrudnichestvo and campaign for Russia. It is not necessary. There is no need to agitate Belarusians for Russia. What we need to do is bind our states and peoples together economically,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
As an example of effective measures that foster cooperation, the president cited the increase in the number of highly popular Lastochka train services on the route between Moscow and Minsk. “These mad people closed the border to the West. Well, fine. Our people traveled to St. Petersburg, to Moscow... People from Minsk went to Kazan [including to support HC Dinamo Minsk at their hockey match against HC Ak Bars in Kazan on 16 November] – they were visiting their home. No one is holding them back. Planes, helicopters, trains, bus routes – they are in very high demand here. And Russia has a high demand for Belarus,” said the head of state. For instance, Russians are the number one visitors to tourist sites in Belarus. Belarusian hotels are also in great demand, and medical services are highly sought after.
Aleksandr Lukashenko added that during his communications with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the topic of interregional cooperation is regularly raised, and there is “full support” from the Russian leader.
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