
The President of the Republic of Belarus today commented on his meeting with Vladimir Putin and the talks held in Sochi. In the course of his story about the meeting with his Russian counterpart, Alexander Lukashenko also touched upon the issues of integration of the two countries.
By his statement on this issue, the leader of the neighboring state made it clear that he in no way supports the real integration of Belarus and Russia. According to Lukashenka, "the world has changed so much that it is even stupid to work in this direction."
From the statement of Lukashenko:
Today the world has changed so much that talk that Belarus should become part of Russia, or Russia should become part of Belarus, or we should somehow merge, creating unified governing bodies ... (pause) In general, it would be silly even work in this direction. This is absolutely unnecessary. The world has changed a lot.
According to the President of the Republic of Belarus, Belarus can build such a system of relations with Russia "that it will be even closer than between some territories in the Russian Federation itself."
Lukashenko:
Belarus and Russia have practically the same level of development in various areas.
The President of the Republic of Belarus said that "a lot has already been done to build close relations between the independent states." Lukashenka added that "we just don't talk about it."
According to Lukashenka, an example should be taken from the close cooperation between the Defense Ministry and the Foreign Ministry of the two countries.
Belarusian president:
And we are determined to create such an unification of Belarus and Russia in the Union State that a mosquito will not undermine the nose. Nobody will reproach us that someone has encroached on someone's independence.
Apparently, these “potential reproaches” from the outside are still very worried about Lukashenka. It is very strange, especially considering the fact that reproaches against him from the same West are heard constantly, and for any reason.