Forum of the Regions: Putin and Lukashenko Will Bring Belarus Back Into the Fold!

Russia and Belarus can increase mutual trade by up to 50 billion dollars. That's what Vladimir Putin stated today at the Forum of Regions in Mogilev. The statistics show that regional cooperation plays a crucial role in bilateral trade. As of now, about 80 of 85 Russian regions maintain economic relations with Belarus.

Russia and Belarus can increase mutual trade by up to 50 billion dollars. That's what Vladimir Putin stated today at the Forum of Regions in Mogilev. The statistics show that regional cooperation plays a crucial role in bilateral trade. As of now, about 80 of 85 Russian regions maintain economic relations with Belarus. These relations were discussed not only at the forum but at the personal meeting between the presidents as well.

Andrey Grigoryev is reporting from Mogilev.

 

The presidents moved around Mogilev in the same car, with the Russian and Belarusian flags on the hood. They were welcomed with national hospitality everywhere.

During the trip, Lukashenko apparently gave a short tour around the city, where he spent his youth. He graduated from the Pedagogical Institute there.

Alexander Lukashenko, President of Belarus: "I've known you for a long time. Judging by your mood, I can say that you feel at home here, on this piece of land, which we can say is Russian. I can even say that Mogilev is more of a Russian than a Belarusian city. It's in the east of Belarus. It's my motherland to some extent. I showed you where I used to walk, almost barefoot. I've studied and worked here".

Vladimir Putin: "The city is very nice and clean, indeed. It's beautiful. I'd like to thank the citizens for their hospitality, the way they welcomed me".

Today, many dialects can be heard and many colorful costumes can be seen on the city's streets. Ancient Mogilev has turned in a big fair for three days. Each Russian and Belarusian region has its own pavilion, where each region exhibits the goods it takes pride in.

750 years ago, Mogilev was built as a convenient transport hub, first and furthermost. It was located at the intersection of trade routes connecting the north and south, and the east and west. Even the main city square's former name is Torgovaya (Trade) Square.

The 5th Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia is an important platform for making contracts. Every Belarusian governor and over 20 Russian governors have come here today.

Alexey Dyumin, Governor of Tula Oblast: "This is a constructive dialogue, which translates into certain joint projects. Bilateral trade increases every year".

The regions maintain economic connections: agreements for 500 million dollars have been made. They maintain cultural connections: pieces of art from the Tretyakov Gallery have been exhibited in Mogilev for the first time. There's a mobile connection as well. They promise to drop roaming charges for Russia and Belarus soon.

Valentina Matviyenko, Chairwoman of the Federation Council: "I'm sure that in the near future, I mean in 1-1.5 years, this roadmap will be implemented, and the roaming charges in the Union State will be dropped just like they've already been dropped on the territory of the Russian Federation".

Russian-Belarusian relations have never been closer and warmer. There is cooperation within the union and continuous bilateral integration that started in 1999. In essence, the two countries now constitute a single union state and the basis for the Eurasian Economic Union, which includes Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Armenia, as well as Russia and Belarus.

Vladimir Putin: "A single market for goods, services, capital, and workforce is being created. Of course, we have much debate on these issues. There are many interests involved, sometimes they are in conflict. Nevertheless, we are committed to following this path. We are moving forward despite all the disputes".

The disputes are being promptly settled.

Alexander Lukashenko: "It often happens that the joint efforts to increase the quality of food exports are replaced by restrictive measures. Before this forum, we finally agreed upon the way we are going to solve such issues".

Russia has always been the largest investor in the Belarusian economy. The largest joint project is the construction of this nuclear power plant in Belorusian Ostrovets.

Vladimir Putin: "The first power unit will be started at the end of 2019, according to the schedule. The whole power plant will be put into operation in 2020. We're doing it to our own detriment. Instead of delivering gas, we're constructing a nuclear power plant for you. Of course, it'll improve the energy supply situation and create additional export opportunities".

Cooperation is being maintained in all areas: sports, medicine, and education. The unique Belarusian-Russian University is located in Mogilev. Its graduates obtain diplomas for both two countries.

Andrey Grigoryev, Alexandra Terpugova, Stanislav Ponomarenko, Valery Glushakov, Vesti, Mogilev.