Putin Says Russia, Belarus Deepen Economic, Trade Cooperation

(MENAFN) Russian President Vladimir Putin says economic and trade relations between Russia and Belarus continue to expand despite what he describes as external efforts to disrupt or influence their cooperation.

“Overall, I want to note that … our main area of interaction, trade and economics, is developing successfully, despite all external attempts to somehow influence it,” Putin said at the beginning of a meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko at his Novo-Ogaryovo residence near Moscow.

Putin points to bilateral trade reaching almost $52 billion last year, describing the figure as a positive sign. He adds that economic exchanges increase by another 12.5% during the first six months of the current year, while Russian direct investment in Belarus reaches $4.5 billion.

The Russian president also highlights growing technological cooperation between the two countries. He notes that Belarus has “preserved and expanded much of what was created during the Soviet era,” creating opportunities for both sides to further develop joint projects, including in the microelectronics sector.

Putin says the meeting will also review the outcome of discussions Lukashenko holds in Moscow the previous day. He adds that Russia and Belarus remain closely engaged on international issues while continuing efforts to strengthen their Union State framework.

Lukashenko says technological cooperation is among the issues he discusses with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin during their Friday meeting. He expresses confidence that the two sides can resolve these matters in the same way they address other areas of bilateral cooperation.

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