The platform of the CIS summit became the occasion to discuss joint work once again. The parties managed to synchronize their positions on the bilateral agenda. And the event was crowned by the ceremony of awarding our President with the highest state award of Russia.

If we look at the Union State vector more broadly - Belarus and Russia today stand at the forefront of the struggle for a just world. In many ways, it is thanks to the integration work that the West has not managed to economically strangle Minsk and Moscow. What will the union track be like next?

The Union State of Belarus and Russia has been under construction for a quarter of a century. This is the case when quality is more important than deadlines! Geopolitics, historical memory, breakthrough industrial and space projects not to mention the purely human good-neighborly relations. A single space in the economy is being built - as a result, the union economy is growing +8% to trade turnover. In monetary terms, by the beginning of autumn, we already had almost 35 billion dollars. We are also learning to overcome difficulties together. There is every reason to call the Union State a model of equal relations between countries. Such a model is not for everyone.

Dmitry Yezhov, political scientist, associate professor of the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation:

"Europe is actually now heading towards a dead end. Moreover, with a complete loss of sovereignty by individual states. A model that is subordinated to the desires of individual representatives of the American elite. Russia and Belarus in this regard demonstrate an independent position that fully corresponds to the national interests of the two states".

Joint work in the interests of both states is the key to the union track! The tone and pace are set by the President of Belarus. In many ways, the integration model that we have today is the personal contribution of Alexander Lukashenko.

For his contribution to its strengthening and development, Lukashenko was awarded the Order of Merit for the Fatherland, 2nd degree, and the Order of Alexander Nevsky.

The Order of St. Andrew the First-Called is the highest state award in Russia.

Alexander Lukashenko, President of the Republic of Belarus:

"We have faced a choice many times, but we have never, I emphasize, never turned away from Russia. You and your colleagues know this well. Belarus is a reliable ally. I want Russia to know this first of all. Belarusians have never let Russians down. Please accept my assurances: they will never let you down. It has been decided from above that we share both successes and difficulties in a brotherly manner. As the President elected by the Belarusian people, I will always stand guard over our common interests, centuries-old good neighborliness and friendship. As a historian, I feel this very keenly".

The Union of Belarus and Russia is at the forefront of the fierce struggle for a just world. In the face of unprecedented pressure from outside, the two countries are moving towards deeper integration. Is there an alternative? The leaders will agree that in times of a tense international situation, they have chosen the only right path.

Vladimir Putin, President of Russia:

"Even since Soviet times, Belarus has been called the assembly shop of the Soviet Union. And thanks to your efforts, Belarus has retained these specific advantages in the field of economics and industrial production. Therefore, we have the opportunity to jointly, complementing each other, move in all these and some other directions".

"The West set itself plans to strangle us, primarily in the economy and finances, but it didn't work. They themselves already admit it," said Alexander Lukashenko.

"You are right - after the collapse of the Soviet Union, we relied on preserving and developing what we had. It came in handy. Today, we work together in many areas, producing goods," noted Alexander Lukashenko.

We need a strong Union of strong and economically self-sufficient countries, Alexander Lukashenko told his fellow CIS leaders at the summit the day before. Today, Minsk and Moscow, without false modesty, are a promising foundation for the entire Commonwealth. It is important to stick together. Who knows who the next sanctions will be addressed to?

Alexander Lukashenko, President of the Republic of Belarus:

"We need to value what we have. All those who have not broken away from the CIS are showing decent results today, have not lost control of their country, and remain full-fledged subjects of international relations. It would be very good if Georgia returned to our family, Moldova resumed its full-fledged participation, Ukraine came to its senses."