Belarus’ GDP has grown this year amid the imposition of sanctions largely thanks to Russia. This was announced on December 29 by the President of the country Alexander Lukashenko.
“The fact that we have increased our trade turnover and our GDP has grown during this sanction year against the backdrop of a pandemic is a great merit of the Russian Federation and our friends, albeit to a lesser extent, in the international arena. I sincerely thank you publicly for this, ”he said at a meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg.
The Russian President also reported on the good state of the Belarusian economy.
“As for the economy, I would like to note that our experts believe that the economy of Belarus is in good condition … I think there is some kind of surplus. Belarus is a reliable partner for us, even proceeding not from any political considerations, but proceeding from how the situation is developing in the economy, in the real sector of the economy, ”the Russian leader emphasized.
Lukashenko, noting that the Belarusians appreciate the support of the Russian Federation and will not remain in debt, offered to continue cooperation in the defense sphere.
“Remember, no matter how our relations develop, we will not remain in debt. I think there is still much we can do. And I have asked you for a long time not to stop cooperation in the military sphere, the defense industry and the military-industrial complex. I turned to you so that you do not stop our joint exercises, so that we continue to create centers to train our children in new models of military equipment, which we buy from Russia. We do it, ”he said.
Lukashenko added that it is impossible to stop the practice of holding joint exercises of the armies of the two countries, and reminded that the Russian side is considering Minsk’s proposals on such exercises on the territory of Belarus.
In response, Putin announced plans to hold Russian-Belarusian exercises in February-March.
“We will spend it at the beginning of the year, the military will agree there in March, February – I don’t know when they will decide,” the Russian president said.
Earlier, on December 23, Putin spoke about the progress in rapprochement between Russia and Belarus within the framework of the Union State. According to him, the President of Belarus and his team are not easy negotiators, but “they have reached an understanding of the pace and steps” to move towards further integration. The Russian leader added that the level of integration of the Russian Federation and Belarus is much lower than in the European Union. The countries first need to synchronize their legislation in the economic sphere, the president said.
Prior to that, on November 4, a meeting of the Supreme State Council of the Union State took place. Putin and Lukashenko discussed issues of further bilateral cooperation, and also signed an integration decree approving 28 union programs. This document, according to the Russian leader, was a serious step forward. Lukashenko, in turn, called the Union State a priority of the priorities for Belarus. He explained that the countries are actively cooperating in various areas and are aimed at further expanding union integration, as well as protecting historical and moral values.
Source: IZ
Jane Stock is a technology author, who has written for 24 Hours World. She writes about the latest in technology news and trends, and is always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to improve his audience’s experience.
