Results of talks between Lukashenko and Putin in Minsk

Solutions have been found for all the issues of the Belarusian-Russian agenda. This is the result of the talks held the day before between Alexander Lukashenko and Vladimir Putin. Minsk and Moscow together not only withstood the sanctions pressure, but also found opportunities for the development of their economies. The implementation of Union State programs, the creation of a single gas market and a fixed price for the blue fuel for us for a three-year period, import substitution, defense issues.

The leaders paid attention to all strategic areas of development. The President of Belarus notes that we need to build on our success. As they say, to spite all our enemies. And there are plenty of those willing to stop the integration process. There is no need for an effective competitor in the world market in the form of a powerful Union State.

Experts believe that the Presidents of Belarus and Russia have once again demonstrated what the true allied spirit means.

It is traditional to sum up the results and to make plans for the future on the eve of the New Year. Although Lukashenko and Putin were forced by the West's sanctions to keep their eyes open, to be in touch and to react.

"Together we managed not only to withstand, but also to find opportunities for the development of our economies, moreover, unexpectedly for all and, above all, for those who created difficulties for us," said Alexander Lukashenko.

Dmitry Yezhov, political analyst (Russia):

The leaders of Russia and Belarus are clearly aware that everything in the world is changing. Under such conditions of sweeping changes, it is necessary to strengthen integration and build a common line in a number of areas.

Strengthening cooperation in industry and agriculture, removing barriers to trade and state procurement, and solutions for the transport market. These are the things that currently puzzle the countries. It turned out that together we are holding up quite well against the sanctions. The overall trade is breaking records, while Belarusian exports are growing.

Alexander Lukashenko, President of Belarus:

"The year 2022 gives reason to be cautiously optimistic that we cope with economic challenges quite well. Unexpectedly, we are revealing our enormous potential, which at other times we just did not see or did not believe in. But we need speed in making and implementing decisions. Time is now more important than money - this is the essence of our negotiations today."