Belarus-Russia trade fuelled by Customs Union, Single Economic Space

MINSK, 3 December (BelTA) – Opportunities for Belarus-Russia mutual trade have been expanded with the creation of the Customs Union and the Single Economic Space. President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko made the statement as he met with Mr Nikolai Tsukanov, Governor of Kaliningrad Oblast, Russia on 3 December, BelTA has learned.

“We should secure a higher trade turnover and join efforts to penetrate third-country markets,” stressed the head of state.

The President stated that Belarus and regions of Russia had established very kind and warm relations. But relations between Belarus and Kaliningrad Oblast are special since the two areas are connected by solid historical and blood ties. “Russia and Russian people are no strangers to us. Kaliningrad Oblast residents are no strangers even more so,” remarked the Belarusian leader.

According to the President, the bilateral ties between Belarus and Kaliningrad Oblast have always been intensive at all levels and in all spheres. “We have never had to convince each other to cooperate,” he said. “Belarus and Kaliningrad Oblast are close partners and reliable ones”. Alexander Lukashenko underlined that the creation of the Customs Union and the Single Economic Space had expanded mutual opportunities regarding the increase in trade, the flow of workforce and capital.

The head of state believes that it would be a good idea to discuss all the avenues of cooperation at the session of the bilateral cooperation council later on that day. The President assured the Governor that the Belarusian side will honor its obligations in full and on time.