"Meets the fundamental interests of our countries": Putin announced the preparation of the security concept of the Union State

Russia and Belarus are united by friendly ties and common values, on the basis of which work is being carried out to build the Union State. This was stated by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"Our countries are united by traditional friendship, common cultural, spiritual and moral values. It is on this basis that we are building the Union State together. And we have already achieved a lot. Extensive mutually beneficial trade and economic ties have been debugged, cooperation in the defense, scientific, technical, educational, cultural and other fields has been significantly strengthened," Putin said.

He added that the authorities of the two countries are developing cooperation in all areas, such an attitude is shared by the public and residents of Russia and Belarus. So, according to him, 74% of the measures on 28 priority sectoral programs approved in 2021 have already been completed. "This activity, as we agreed today, we will certainly continue without slowing down," the Russian leader added.

In addition, in 2022, the trade turnover between Russia and Belarus grew by 12% to a record $ 45 billion.

"The process of creating joint oil and gas markets of the two countries continues. An agreement on the formation of a single electricity market is being prepared for signing," Putin added.

At the same time, at the last meeting, the concept of security of the Union State was considered, which will formulate the fundamental tasks of interaction against the background of growing tensions on the external borders, as well as the sanctions and information war unleashed from the outside.

"Russia and Belarus are building up – and will continue to do so, as noted today – their cooperation in the field of defense and security, expanding cooperation in the military-technical sphere. And this, of course, meets the fundamental interests of our countries and peoples, it is really important - taking into account the difficult international situation today, "the Russian leader explained.

The head of state also expressed gratitude to the Belarusian side for including in the humanitarian agenda of the Union State issues related to providing assistance to students and educational institutions of the Donetsk and Lugansk people's republics.

"In conclusion, I would like to reiterate my confidence that the decisions taken today at the meeting of the Supreme State Council will serve the further dynamic development of the integration of Russia and Belarus, strengthening the security and defense potential of the Union State," Putin said.

"These were productive negotiations"

Alexander Lukashenko began his speech at the meeting of the Supreme State Council of the Union State by calling the talks with Vladimir Putin held on April 5 fundamental. According to him, they were mainly devoted to the issues of security and development of the military-industrial complex.

"These were productive negotiations. On all issues, and there were more than a dozen of them, we reached an agreement. Of course, we don't really cover the subject. But, I think, in the near future you will hear and see all this, "the President of Belarus explained.

At the same time, he pointed out that Moscow and Minsk have created an effective system of defense and security of the SG, within the framework of which a regional grouping of troops and a single regional air defense system are successfully functioning.

"The steps taken to strengthen border security have significantly increased the protection of the Union State from international terrorism, uncontrolled migration flows, arms and ammunition smuggling, drug trafficking, illegal economic activities," he said.

Lukashenka also called "an example for other departments" the cooperation of the foreign ministries of Russia and Belarus, which, in his opinion, conduct a coordinated foreign policy.

He also noted the self-sufficiency of the economies of the Union State, stressing that the desire of the West to "rush" to arrange an economic blockade of countries could not be crowned with success: "It did not work out economically - they began to purposefully put pressure on the military side. The rhetoric about the prospect of a global armed conflict is intensifying."

At the same time, according to him, the key direction of bilateral relations is industrial cooperation. Thus, over the years of building the Union State, more than 60 joint scientific and technical programs have been implemented in various fields, in particular in information technology and agriculture.

"Many developments are successfully introduced into production, thanks to which the program of import substitution and reduction of dependence on Western technologies is being implemented," Lukashenka added.