Belarus and Russia can become almost fully independent of imports within five years, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said at a meeting with Governor of Russia's Sakhalin Oblast Valery Limarenko in Minsk on 28 October, BelTA has learned.

"We need to be independent in all areas. We need to make sure that we are not dependent on imports. Others must come here, to Russia and Belarus, and ask us to produce certain goods for them," the president stressed.

The parties have already done a lot on this front. Russia helps Belarus with financing of joint projects. "Moreover, we now have more projects than planned. Starting from microelectronics and ending with aircraft construction. We will build the Osvey aircraft in Belarus. It will be in great demand in the future. It is very much in demand in the Russian Federation today, and for us it is new horizons, new competencies. This is how things are across all areas - we must be independent in the economy," Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

"I think that over the next five years, if they continue with their sanctions policy against us, we will become almost fully independent of imports. If there is no pressure, then we may let our guard down," the head of state joked. "Therefore, sanctions are an opportunity, indeed."

belta.by