Aliaksandr Lukashenka intends to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in the near future. He made the statement during a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. According to Lukashenka, he communicates with Putin almost every day.
“We have agreed that in the near future we will meet and discuss those problematic issues that may concern us. We have one understanding: if the governments do not resolve something, it remains under the attention of the two presidents. This is the path we are following,” he said.
The previous in-person meeting between Lukashenka and Putin took place in Astana during the Eurasian Economic Union summit. They spoke for more than an hour on the sidelines of the event. It should be noted that in recent years Lukashenka and Putin have regularly travelled together to Valaam.
Lukashenka proposed discussing foreign policy issues.
“I am very pleased to meet with you. Frankly speaking, I was looking forward to this meeting. I would like to exchange views and impressions with you on the entire spectrum of the international situation. Not because we are a global country like Russia or China and will participate in resolving certain problems. Nevertheless, I would like to know in which direction we should act and develop our foreign policy. Although I understand that you have already discussed these issues, and you will have an opportunity to discuss them again today. And as an experienced person, you can give me some advice, since…” he continued.
“You flatter me,” Lavrov remarked.
“No, not at all. Given the role Russia occupies in international affairs — where else could you go? Therefore, I am expecting more specific and comprehensive information, as is usually the case between us. Over the many years of our cooperation, we have never hidden anything from each other. I would like to discuss the situation in our integration projects, starting with the CSTO, the Eurasian Economic Community, the CIS and the SCO. How do you see their development? And then there is this G7, or whatever they call themselves, gathering. What are they discussing today…” Lukashenka said.
“They really do call themselves the ‘Group of Seven’,” Lavrov interjected.
“A great… well, perhaps,” Lukashenka laughed.
“Great Britain, the Group of Seven,” the Russian minister added.
“Of course, of course, all the great powers have gathered. Therefore, whether we like it or not, we have to pay attention to it. And then there are the latest developments. The dynamics are very significant. And the existing conflicts — how are they being perceived? So there is much to discuss. And it is good that you have come to us on a working visit,” he said.
“There is much to discuss in a calm atmosphere. It is very good that we have such good relations. Therefore, despite the noise and certain shouting, both in your country and ours, especially abroad, we are following the path that we determined together. Despite all the noise and certain remarks and shouting, both in our countries and especially abroad, we are following the path that we determined together,” Lukashenka continued.
“It is precisely the foreign ministries that continue their work despite the escalation of one situation or another, when sometimes our defence ministries move to the forefront. Or, as they call it in America, the Department of War. But only in the sense that we always prepare for war so that it does not happen. They, on the other hand, have a Ministry of War in order to wage war every day. God forbid, of course,” he added.
He noted that Lavrov and Ryzhankou regularly hold bilateral meetings at least twice a year, in addition to meetings held during international events.
“We just saw each other in Kazan. At the CSTO meeting,” Lavrov remarked.
“I know that the minister calls you frequently. He reports this to me. It is very good that we have such good relations,” Lukashenka responded.
Lavrov noted that he had already begun working with Ryzhankou the previous day.
“We started yesterday. We had a detailed one-on-one discussion about sensitive issues. Now we will report on the ideas that have emerged. And, of course, I will be ready to present our assessments of recent developments, including in connection with preparations for this ‘Group of Seven’ and the initiative of Britain, France and Germany. They presented us with a five-point ultimatum; their ambassadors came and handed over their wishes. In general, there is much to discuss, including matters that directly concern the Union State,” Lavrov said in turn.
