The president noted that Belarus has long-standing and strategic relations with the brotherly friendly Russia. "There is no avenue where our countries do not have close and strong ties,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said. He recalled that Russia accounts for about half of Belarus' foreign trade. "A dialogue is in full swing to deepen our integration in order to create a level playing field for economic entities and to make a better use of new cooperation opportunities," the head of state said. “I think that Belarus and Russia have reserves in almost every area. It is from these positions that we look to the future."
"Our relations with the Russian Federation should not bother anyone," the president continued. He stressed that Belarus and Russia do not cooperate against anyone. "But if someone dares to challenge us - Russia, or Belarus, or Russia and Belarus at the same time – be assured we will respond," Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
"We have always found mutually beneficial solutions. I am sure that this is how it will be now and in the future," the Belarusian leader stressed.
