MINSK, 30 June (BelTA) – Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko met with President of Russia Vladimir Putin in the state residence Zaslavl, BelTA has learned.
The meeting was held in an informal setting. Interestingly, the meeting took place in a gazebo gifted by Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
Aleksandr Lukashenko gifted a number of 2nd European Games Minsk 2019 souvenirs to Vladimir Putin such as a bog-oak panel picture with attached medallions symbolizing the 15 sports represented during the games, an exclusive box of chocolate, and the games' mascot Lesik the Fox. A figurine depicting two judokas was another gift. The Russian leader is well-known for going in for judo.
President of Russia Vladimir Putin and other VIP guests are expected to attend the closing ceremony of the 2nd European Games Minsk 2019 in the Dinamo Stadium later today. Earlier today Vladimir Putin attended a boxing competition in the sports palace Uruchye and also watched an artistic gymnastics tournament in Minsk Arena.
In 2018 Belarus-Russia merchandise trade totaled $35.5 billion, 109.4% as against 2017, with Belarus' export at $12.9 billion and import at $22.6 billion. In January-April 2019 Belarus-Russia trade totaled $11.1 billion. In January-March 2019 Russia's share amounted to $1.2 billion or 40.9% of the total volume of foreign investments Belarus raised.
Economic relations are maintained with 80 regions of Russia, including with 70 ones on the basis of intergovernmental agreements on long-term cooperation.