"The main thing is joint work in the real sector of the economy": negotiations between Putin and Lukashenko took place in Sochi

Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko held talks in Sochi.

The Presidents of Russia and Belarus discussed many issues of interaction and cooperation between the two countries.

Putin noted that Russia and Belarus are in constant contact.

“Our collaboration tools are fine-tuned and work well.

We do not have a single day when our colleagues do not communicate with each other, do not resolve certain issues that are before us, ”said the President of Russia.

He drew attention to the high level of partnership and alliance between the two countries.

Putin mentioned that Moscow remains the largest trade and economic partner of Minsk, taking a share of about 50%.

Moreover, Russia is the largest investor in the Belarusian economy.

We are talking about $ 4 billion in investments, the Russian leader said.

Putin noted that Russia and Belarus are implementing major energy projects.

In this regard, the President mentioned the Belarusian Nuclear Power Plant.

In addition, the Russian leader added that Moscow and Minsk operate in traditional markets such as agricultural products.

Also, the Russian leader drew attention to the cultural ties between the two peoples.

“We are very close people, close peoples.

Culture, language, religion, shared history, and not only based on the heroic, relatively recent past, the Great Patriotic War, but also deeply rooted in the centuries - we all unite, ”Putin said.

Lukashenko, in turn, thanked the Russian president for helping the republic's economy.

According to him, "money has not been thrown away."

According to the Belarusian leader, of about $ 70 billion of Belarus' gross domestic product, at least half of the trade turnover is “tied” to Moscow.

“You should know that we have not thrown money away, we are investing in final production, purchasing a huge amount of raw materials and components from Russia, and this volume is growing, growing all the time,” Lukashenko said.

He added that imports from Russia will grow significantly if projects planned for the next five years are implemented.

In response, Putin noted that cooperation in the industrial sphere of Russia and Belarus is more important than direct financial support.

“Alexander Grigorievich, you mentioned financial support.

You are absolutely right, this is important, but it is far from the main thing.

The main thing is joint work on cooperation in the real sector of the economy, ”the Russian president said.

Putin noted that during the pandemic, trade between the countries decreased by about 15%, but remained at $ 28.5 billion.

“This is a very significant figure, this is decent,” the Russian leader said.

Lukashenko also said that the governments of Belarus and Russia have to finalize six or seven road integration maps out of 33 provided for by the agreements.

Recall that the previous long meeting of the leaders of Russia and Belarus took place in September 2020.

Putin met with Lukashenko in Sochi.

They discussed issues of energy supplies to Belarus, transport links interrupted during the pandemic.

Along with this, the leaders agreed to withdraw the reserve of Russian security officials, formed on the border of the two countries against the background of unrest in Belarus.

Fighting Coronavirus

During the talks, Lukashenko called the Russian coronavirus vaccine the most effective in the world.

“The most effective vaccine is Russian, it is recognized all over the world.

No matter how someone trolls and throws stones into the garden, ”Lukashenka said.

Putin said that Russia had transferred vaccine production technologies to Belarus.

The President noted that Russia does not cooperate so closely with any other country on this issue.

“As for our joint work to combat coronavirus infection, it is indeed developing successfully.

We delivered the first batch last year, this year in February and in March there will be the next deliveries.

But the most important thing, in my opinion, is that we at your enterprise ... have transferred technologies, ”Putin said.

Lukashenko confirmed this information, noting that the production of vaccines should begin in March.

“Serious support.

If it were not for this, it would be difficult for us with vaccination, ”the President of Belarus noted.

Putin also expressed the opinion that in the fight against coronavirus it is necessary to join forces with Europe.

“We are trying to do this, we are open for joint work.

- said Putin.

- We have a contract with AstraZeneca, at the center of Gamalea.

I am pleased to note that we will now unite efforts with our European partners, we will work together. "