MINSK, 7 October (BelTA) - Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko had a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on 7 October, BelTA learned from the press service of the Belarusian leader.

The Belarusian head of state wished a happy birthday to his Russian counterpart. After that the two leaders discussed issues on the bilateral and international agendas. In particular, the presidents discussed the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh and Kyrgyzstan. As far as the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh is concerned, it was mentioned that Belarus and Russia are in favor of the speedy peaceful settlement as people are still dying in the region.

“The main issue on the agenda was the full opening of the borders between Belarus and Russia. The heads of state agreed to instruct the governments to mull over these issues and to sort things out,” the press release of the press service reads.

Aleksandr Lukashenko and Vladimir Putin drew special attention to the spread of the coronavirus infection and expressed concern over the increase in the number of cases.

The presidents also discussed the situation in Belarus and Russia against the backdrop of the global crisis as well as other aspects of the international situation.

“While discussing bilateral cooperation issues, the leaders once again praised the role of interregional contacts and the interaction of enterprises maintaining solid cooperation ties. In this context, the heads of state mentioned good prospects in cooperation between universities, research institutions, academic schools,” the press release reads.