“The historic decision to conclude this most important agreement reflected a mutual desire to strengthen Russian-Belarusian relations based on centuries-old traditions of fraternal friendship, cultural and spiritual affinity,” Putin’s message says.
He emphasized that for Russians and Belarusians “equal opportunities in choosing a place of residence, employment, and receiving medical and social assistance” are provided.
In addition, the experience gained within the Union State is used in a wider format of the Eurasian Economic Union, Putin added.
On December 7, negotiations between Putin and Lukashenko took place. They lasted more than 5.5 hours.
According to the Minister of Economic Development of Russia Maxim Oreshkin, the negotiations were held in a number of areas: “on agriculture, communications, customs, and regulation of the oil market”.
During the meeting, the parties made significant progress, the minister emphasized.
The next meeting of the leaders of Russia and Belarus is scheduled for December 20 in St. Petersburg.