Lukashenko, Putin discuss trade, interaction in integration associations

MINSK, 17 September (BelTA) - President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Sochi on 15 September to review a wide range of issues of bilateral relations, cooperation within the various integration groups and exchanged views on the current issues on the international agenda, BelTA learnt from the head of state’s press service.

The Presidents discussed trade and economic cooperation between the two countries, major joint projects, including the construction of the Belarusian nuclear power plant. The growth in bilateral trade was praised as an important positive moment.

“There are the issues that we need to discuss. Maybe we will take some decisions. I think that we can get together within the framework of the Supreme State Council of the Union State, if we agree on the date, and take a number of decisions,” said the Belarusian head of state.

“I am happy at this opportunity to talk with you. I hope you will enjoy your time here,” said Vladimir Putin welcoming the guest. “We will have the opportunity to discuss our bilateral relations. They are developing very well, and we will also review the status of implementation of the integration projects. Here we see positive dynamics in all three countries. Trade and economic relations, investment cooperation are growing,” said the Russian President.

"With regard to the economy, you are right, the situation is good. We also see very positive a process in the integration, the trade is expanding,” underscored Alexander Lukashenko.

According to the Belarusian head of state, nearly 50 countries would like to sign agreements on trade and economic cooperation with the Single Economic Space. “It speaks volumes. We will discuss it as well as the issues regarding the CSTO and the Union State,” the President of Belarus said.

“I would like to update you on the situation at our joint border. Unfortunately it is far from being perfect, especially what concerns migration,” said Alexander Lukashenko pointing to illegal migration to the west via Belarus.

Vladimir Putin informed Alexander Lukashenko about the results of the APEC summit. He noted that in his speech at the summit he stressed that Russia presents not only its interests but also the interests of the Customs Union and the Single Economic Space. “It sparks interest among our partners, and some of them are ready to conclude agreements on free trade zone with the SES. Our taskforce has almost completed the work on the free trade agreement with Vietnam and we are ready to embark on work in this direction,” Vladimir Putin noted and underlined there were other well-developed economies eager to develop such cooperation. “We should consider all pros and contras. While addressing this issue, we need to look into commodity items and groups, level off the interests from both the sides. But the interest to develop cooperation with us is genuine. It attests that our common market is seen as attractive, and that our partners see prospects by cooperating with us,” the Russian leader said.

The two leaders also agreed that the CSTO, EurAsEC and the Customs Union summits should be held in Moscow on 19 December.