Lukashenko: It is necessary to make the most of the cooperation between the regions of Belarus and Russia

It is necessary to extract the maximum from the cooperation between the regions of Belarus and Russia. This is the task set by Alexander Lukashenko.

Today the President held talks with the governor of Kaluga Region. Just the day before our capitals were linked by direct air links. The head of the region arrived in Minsk on the first flight. But he has no plans to limit his visit to the capital city. Kaluga is our longstanding partner. Against the backdrop of economic pressure, bilateral contacts are only getting stronger. The President is convinced that our economies can complement each other even more effectively. Especially today, when the European business says goodbye to the Union market. "This is a chance for Belarusian manufacturers to gain a foothold in Russia."

"Our countries, Russia and Belarus, have become much closer to each other in recent years and we state this openly. And not only thanks to our relations at the highest political level, but, as always, thanks to our contacts with the regions of the Russian Federation. We began to work much more closely at the level of governments, enterprises and organizations, and to look for ways out of the difficult situation around our countries together. This has united our peoples even more (we can see it) and made them stronger," Alexander Lukashenko said.

The President is convinced that a significant contribution to the record-breaking trade turnover between Belarus and Russia in 2022 was made by the implementation of agreements with the heads of Russian regions. And the dynamics of the contacts with Kaluga Oblast is not an exception. "They did not stop for a single day, thanks to which we have created a certain reserve. I will not hide it; our goal is to exceed one billion dollars in trade and achieve the full balance," the head of the state said.

The basis of bilateral cooperation is the construction sector. Belarusians have built several residential neighborhoods, as well as schools and kindergartens on a turnkey basis in Kaluga Region. A number of other objects are on the way. Our agricultural equipment is well known in the region.

But the potential for regional cooperation is much higher, the President said. Both Minsk and Kaluga will benefit from our cooperation. "

And such cooperation is gaining momentum. A number of manufacturers of medical and municipal equipment are already replacing some components with the help of their Belarusian partners. And this import-substituting work continues.

With this purpose the delegation is visiting our largest enterprises, including MAZ and Amkodor. Another promising sector is agriculture, in particular, the construction of dairy complexes. Kaluga, for its part, offers Belarus to use its logistics routes more actively.

Vladislav Shapsha, Governor of Kaluga region of Russia:

"We have built a major logistics hub. Today cargoes from Kaluga region to Chinese ports are delivered in two weeks. We have connections with Iran and India. And we suggested that the opportunities we have today be used for the needs of Belarusian manufacturers."