Belarus and Russia have made significant progress in agreeing on Union State programmes. This was stated by President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko today at a meeting in the Kremlin with President of Russia Vladimir Putin, as reported by a BELTA correspondent.
Belarus and Russia have made significant progress in agreeing on Union State programmes. This was stated by President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko today at a meeting in the Kremlin with President of Russia Vladimir Putin, as reported by a BELTA correspondent.
"We are moving forward seriously on the Union State programmes. Remember, we started with roadmaps. Very serious programmes. We have probably agreed on 26 or 27 programmes at the government level. Only 2 or 3 very serious programmes of an economic nature remain, including taxation – a well-known programme on which we actually made a decision in Minsk," the President stated. "So I agree with you. We are moving forward steadily. But there are pressing issues that need to be strengthened, including the security and defence of our Union State. Although, generally speaking, we are probably coping for now and will continue to cope. And we will draw lines that no one should cross, and we will respond with dignity to those who do not understand that in this crazy world, one must be calmer and live in friendship."
Alexander Lukashenko recalled that at the end of last year, the heads of state drew up a programme of their actions. The Presidents of Belarus and Russia have met twice recently in Sochi, discussing various issues not only of a current but also of a strategic nature.
"Last time, we agreed that our governments would work seriously in Minsk. Thank you, Mikhail Vladimirovich (Prime Minister of Russia Mikhail Mishustin, who recently visited Belarus at the head of a Russian delegation. - BELTA's note) came, spoke like an academic. Well done, he was very powerful. He spoke about the economy, finance, taxation, tax administration, and the efficiency of the tax system. I will say later that we have reached a certain joint conclusion," Alexander Lukashenko said.
"We agreed with you that after working through these issues, we would meet today and discuss these issues again," added the President of Belarus.