The energy industry, agricultural trade, and integration issues were discussed today by Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko. The President of Belarus came to Russia on a 3-day working visit. The meeting was held in Sochi. Despite the busy agenda, the politicians found an opportunity to briefly interrupt the official program in order to ski.
This is Alexey Petrov reporting from Sochi on the statements made today in the negotiating room and on the ski slopes.
- He wants to.
Vladimir Putin: Come here. What's your name?
- Vanya.
- Hello, Vanya.
- Say cheese, son! His dream has come true.
Following little Vanya, a grown-up man asked for a photo with the president. In fact, every minute of the head of state's schedule is planned, but here, on the Sochi ski slopes, everything makes you calmly wait until the phone finally starts working and takes a picture. There are the most beautiful mountain slopes and first-class tracks. Vladimir Putin wore a red ski suit. Lukashenko wore a black hat with a pom-pom.
There are thousands of skiers and snowboarders in Krasnaya Polyana now. Some of them come here all the time, while others are just discovering the Sochi ski resorts.
Alexander Lukashenko didn't miss the opportunity to take his son to Sochi. Then, they had a short break and a chance to contemplate the mountain landscape. Then, they had dinner during which they could quietly talk. The altitude is almost 4,600 feet above sea level. There are snow-capped peaks all around. It's a good opportunity not only to discuss the accumulated issues but also to enjoy the views of Krasnaya Polyana. The weather is warm; one could even walk without outerwear. Before the negotiations began, Putin and Lukashenko had a lively conversation. This is their first meeting this year.
Vladimir Putin: “As we agreed, we'll communicate informally. We'll have the opportunity to meet and talk today, tomorrow, and the day after tomorrow.
Alexander Lukashenko, President of Belarus: "For me, this is my home. I drove along a new road last night; it was late at night and remembered that difficult, terrible Soviet route along which we used to drive, which was scary to look down from. Today it's a completely different resort, a completely different territory".
The key ministers are in Sochi. Anton Siluanov talked to the Russian Ambassador to Belarus Mikhail Babich. Maksim Oreshkin remained concentrated. The situation in the energy industry was one of the main topics for discussion. At the end of last year, Lukashenko again said that the gas prices for Belarus are too high. Minsk believes that prices should be at the level of Russian domestic prices. But Gazprom explained that two years ago, the neighbors got a discount. As a result, Russian gas for Belarus cost $129 per thousand cubic meters last year, and it'll even be cheaper this year at $127. Shortly before the New Year, Moscow and Minsk agreed to work out proposals for forming gas prices. Putin made it clear that in any case, the two neighboring states have long been successfully solving all of the arising issues.
Vladimir Putin: "I know that we have some misunderstandings, some issues. But as it's common between friends, I hope that these issues will be solved the way they used to be solved. Of course, the energy industry is one of the most important areas. The amounts of hydrocarbon supplies, both oil and gas, remain at the level we agreed upon".
The energy industry is one of the key topics but not the only one. Hundreds of Russian and Belarusian enterprises successfully cooperate. Belarus appreciates the Russian market very much.
Alexander Lukashenko: "Whatever conflicts and scandals we have, we must remember that we will never supply bad vodka or bad snacks to Russians".
Putin reminded that Russia remains the largest trading and economic partner of Belarus. It accounts for almost half of the republic's trade revenue. In its turn, Russia is actively lending to its neighbors.
Vladimir Putin: "Belarus is very disciplined in terms of finance when it performs its obligations. This allows us to work on large projects. Belarus is our most important strategic partner and ally. It's very important to me to exchange opinions about those issues with the president of Belarus, including the issues of integration in the post-Soviet space".
The negotiations are to be continued. Apparently, various areas of cooperation will be discussed.
Alexey Petrov, Alexandra Terpugova, Victor Mamaev, Alexey Sysoev, and Maria Rodimova for Vesti from Sochi.
