On March 20, Moscow / Vladimir Matveev - BELTA /. Belarus is ready to expand trade and economic cooperation with Moscow. This was stated by the President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko today at a meeting with the Mayor of Moscow Sergey Sobyanin, BELTA correspondent reports. As Alexander Lukashenko noted, during a meeting with the Mayor of Moscow in a narrow format, strategic agreements were reached on further prospects for cooperation. "I am grateful to you for pragmatically and strategically approaching these issues, for agreeing not to destroy what has been achieved, so that we cooperate with Moscow at the government level of Belarus," said Alexander Lukashenko, addressing Sergey Sobyanin. Speaking about the trade turnover between Belarus and Moscow, which increased by more than 26% in 2011 and exceeded $4.1 billion, the head of state noted that, nevertheless, the parties have not yet reached the historical level. "At one time, we had a trade turnover of more than $5 billion. Therefore, we have room to grow in this regard," noted the President of Belarus. In addition, he announced that an agreement had been reached to create a joint government-level group to develop cooperation. "And within the framework of this group, I invited them to come to Minsk, we will resolve all issues, both private and broader," noted the head of state. "The main thing for me today was to hear from you that you are focused on the fact that Belarus is not alien to Moscow, and we, as before, will cooperate with you and find more steps for development in this cooperation. We are ready for this, and believe me, you will not regret going into such cooperation," emphasized Alexander Lukashenko. "We will do everything to ensure that Muscovites gladly buy our goods. In turn, we are waiting for Muscovites with large investments. We will gladly do everything to expand this cooperation." In turn, Sergey Sobyanin noted that Belarus and Moscow are linked by very close relations built over the years. The Mayor of Moscow expressed confidence that the parties will continue to increase the volume of trade and economic cooperation. As an example, he mentioned a significant contract concluded last year for the supply of Belarusian trolleybuses to Moscow. Also, according to him, close ties in the field of culture and education have been preserved.