President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko convened a meeting today at the Palace of Independence to discuss cooperation with Russia, a BELTA correspondent reports.
President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko convened a meeting today at the Palace of Independence to discuss cooperation with Russia, a BELTA correspondent reports.
At the very beginning of the meeting, the head of state made an unexpected opening, inviting journalists to ask questions on the topic of the event if they needed any clarifications (spoiler: questions were asked).
Journalists ask questions
"We have certainly made a lot of noise, both in form and content," the President characterised the media discussion of his talks with Vladimir Putin in Sochi. "Since this has caused a lively conversation and resonance (it must be said, worldwide) and there have been many different discussions, I considered it necessary to meet with responsible persons today and discuss the issues that we agreed upon at the meeting."
Alexander Lukashenko noted that the agenda of his negotiations with President of Russia Vladimir Putin had been determined a long time ago, and this meeting was a continuation of previous contacts at various levels. The head of state had already announced some topics of the negotiations at a recent event in the House of Government. At that time, the President explained that during the meeting, the parties would primarily discuss trade and economic relations. "And so it was," he stated.
The leaders of the two countries discussed issues related to oil and gas supplies, including compensation for losses from the Russian tax maneuver, cooperation in the customs and tax spheres, and the development of military-technical cooperation. They also touched upon the recent events: countering sanctions, the resumption of air travel between the countries, and the detention of Roman Protasevich and Sofia Sapega.
Alexander Lukashenko also shared with the meeting participants what was actually in the small case he took to the meeting with his Russian counterpart. But let's take things in order.
On Oil Supplies
The issue of supplying Russian hydrocarbons to Belarusian oil refineries has taken on a new dimension against the backdrop of US sanctions, which mandate the termination of all relations with the Novopolotsk refinery.
"The governments have worked through this issue very seriously, and at a minimum, we have agreed that there will be no issues with oil supplies. Russia benefits from this. We can process 22 million tons of oil," noted Alexander Lukashenko. "There will be no problems with oil supplies for Belarus's refineries, as stated by the President of Russia. This also applies to oil product supplies to both the Russian market and the external market."
According to the head of state, supplies will be carried out in the planned volumes. A fundamental agreement was also reached at the meeting to minimise losses for Belarusian refineries from the tax manoeuvre in Russia starting January 1, 2022. The governments have been instructed to finalise this scheme. "We have found solutions regarding the tax manoeuvre. It wasn't us, but the governments; we simply agreed and approved it. We will continue the dialogue and negotiations," said the President.
On Gas Price
"There are no problems with the supply of natural gas. As much as is needed, that much will be supplied. This issue is not definitively closed. It is not closed in the sense that the President promised me that they would gather and think about how to help Belarus with the gas price in this situation," Alexander Lukashenko explained.
Belarus and Russia intend to formalise the reached agreements in an intergovernmental agreement.
On Customs Cooperation
Countries have long been discussing the convergence of customs systems and legislation. According to the President, this issue is not the most pressing. "We have worked very seriously on this issue within the EAEU, and we, in Belarus and Russia, have very close customs legislation," the head of state explained.
He is convinced that there is no need to create supranational bodies in this area. Perhaps it would be better to work out the establishment of a joint center that would have access to both Belarusian and Russian processes. The parties still need to work out how necessary such an institute is and whether its creation is expedient.
On Tax Policy
The convergence of tax legislation was a proposal from the Russian side. Alexander Lukashenko stressed that if this happens, it will be on equal terms. "We will see everything that is in Russia, they will see everything that is in our country. For there to be trust, we will not move forward without it," he added.
On Military-Political Cooperation
The parties have mutual understanding on issues of the military-industrial complexes of both countries, the development of cooperation, and arms supplies. "There were no discussions about the permanent redeployment of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, the creation of any bases. There was no talk of this, and we do not need it," the Belarusian leader stated.
At the same time, Alexander Lukashenko noted that Russia is located next to Belarus, and if suspicious military activity is observed from NATO, allied units can be redeployed to Belarus within a day. "In case of escalation," he explained.
On a Joint Response to Sanctions
According to Alexander Lukashenko, the presidents discussed this issue "for a very long time." The heads of state agreed to find an algorithm for responding to restrictive measures from the West. The President instructed the government not to delay the resolution of this issue. "Everything must be done reasonably, not hastily, do not shoot yourself in the foot, in the arm," Alexander Lukashenko set the task for the Prime Minister.
On "International Affairs" and the Fight Against COVID-19
The Heads of State also discussed the upcoming meeting between Vladimir Putin and Joe Biden, the situation in Ukraine and the policies of its leadership. The presidents also discussed in considerable detail the fight against the consequences of the pandemic.
"This is the main thing that was analyzed at this meeting. I have one impression, a good impression of these negotiations," Alexander Lukashenko summed up.
Source: belta.by