▲ Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and Russian President Vladimir Putin in June
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko held a summit meeting on the 19th local time and confirmed their will to strengthen bilateral relations centering on the economy and security.
According to Sputnik and TASS News Agency, President Putin said at the summit with President Lukashenko in Minsk, the capital of Belarus, that "Belarus is not only a good neighbor, but also our ally in the true sense of the word." .
Regarding recent bilateral relations, President Putin said, "We have recently paid a lot of attention to security issues and cooperation in the international arena."
Regarding security cooperation in particular, he said, "It is not simply the provision of supplies to both sides. What is really important is joint work, development and cooperation in the field of security, including the development of high-tech industries."
In addition, regarding the issue of economic cooperation, President Putin explained that the trade volume between the two countries has increased by 10% over the past 10 months, setting a new record of 40 billion dollars this year, or about 52 trillion won in our money.
"Strengthening bilateral relations is a natural response to the changing international situation, where our strength is constantly challenged and confirmed," Lukashenko said.
"Russia and Belarus are open to dialogue with other countries, including Europe," he said.