St. Petersburg, 30 January 2024 (TDI): A meeting of the Supreme State Council of the Union State of Russia and Belarus took place on January 29th at the Konstantin Palace chaired by Russian President Putin and his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko.
The agenda for the meeting encompassed an evaluation of the advancements made regarding the guidelines for implementing the provisions of the treaty establishing the Union State in the period spanning 2021 to 2023.
Additionally, the agenda included setting the course for the next three years. Following the meeting, multiple decisions were made and necessary documents were signed.
The decree on the guidelines for implementing the provisions of the treaty establishing the Union State for 2024–2026 was concluded.
The states, which are parties to the Union State establishment treaty, endorsed a resolution on implementing a programme for coordinated foreign policy action.
Putin signifies Russia-Belarus relations
In his speech, Putin lauded Russia and Belarus close collaboration on the global stage. Both consistently provided real allied assistance to one another in the face of enormous external pressures.
🎙 President Vladimir Putin at a meeting of the Supreme State Council of the Union State of Russia and Belarus:
🇷🇺🤝🇧🇾 Russia and Belarus are closely cooperating in the world arena, invariably rendering truly allied assistance to each other.
🔗 https://t.co/MQ9ZgpmRlu pic.twitter.com/FmJH1B0cWP
— MFA Russia 🇷🇺 (@mfa_russia) January 29, 2024
He further highlighted that the two countries take identical or mostly similar viewpoints on current international and regional concerns.
“Undoubtedly, the programme for the Union State’s coordinated foreign policy measures until 2026, prepared for this summit, will continue and stimulate even closer Russia-Belarus cooperation in world affairs”, said Putin.
Moreover, we will work together to build a truly multipolar, democratic, and equitable global architecture that ensures equal and inclusive security.
Economic Cooperation
President of Russia in the address outlined that mutual trade has steadily rising year after year. The results for the first 11 months of last year revealed that Russian-Belarusian trading climbed by over 9.5 percent, approaching a record US$43 billion.
In particular, Russia has invested more than $4 billion in the Belarusian economy. There are around 2,400 Russian firms operating in the republic. A nuclear power facility in Belarus was built in 2023 with direct Russian assistance.
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A new strategy for the Union State’s scientific and technological growth through 2035, proposed for approval, was announced by Putin.
“A Belarusian cosmonaut is being trained to fly to the Russian section of the International Space Station. This event is set for the spring”, he added.
Subsequently, ties are developing in all areas. This is not only industrial cooperation, but also agriculture, science, energy, education and culture.
Lukashenko commits to strengthen bilateral ties
President of Belarus stated both leaders discussed issues ranging from the South Pole to the North Pole. He emphasized on the execution of the northern sea route. We would prefer to implement the program as soon as possible so that we can work more efficiently.
Lukashenko underlined that Russia-Belarus were able to accomplish good outcomes in large part because to the implementation of 28 Union initiatives, which included crucial decisions. Of course, we must define general criteria for determining the efficacy of their execution.
Lastly, he expressed that the both sides need to continue work together to address the matters of mutual concern. This will lead towards a more strengthened relationship and future economic breakthrough projects.
