Lukashenko: Thanks to regional cooperation, Belarus and Russia have maintained warm relations

During a meeting with the Chairwoman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of Russia Valentina Matviенко, the President spoke about the ongoing Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia.

"Regarding the Forum of Regions and regional ties in general, especially in Russia, you know my main point: thanks to the regions, we have preserved warm friendly relations between Belarus and Russia," said the President. He noted that during the tenure of Russia's first president, Boris Yeltsin, developing relations was sometimes difficult. "Back then, the regions saved us (Belarus. - Ed. BELTA). We had direct relations with them," explained Alexander Lukashenko.

"This regional forum that we are holding brings billions of rubles, concrete contracts to both of us — to Russians and Belarusians. We see each other, get acquainted with our capabilities — this is a great thing," emphasized the Belarusian leader.