Lukashenko urged to facilitate the movement of citizens across the border between Belarus and Russia

It is necessary to ensure free movement for citizens of both states at the border between Belarus and Russia. This was stated by Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko during a meeting in Minsk with Governor of Smolensk region of the Russian Federation Vasily Anokhin on November 18.

The President of Belarus notes that even by the example of his small homeland he knows that the residents of the republic closely communicate with the residents of Smolensk voblast. Lukashenko added that the neighboring regions have been friends and cooperated with each other throughout the time, noting that this region is very close to him.

"But in order for everything to be normal, it is necessary to ensure freedom of movement for people. When they tell me that somewhere on the border with Smolensk voblast someone is checking someone, detaining them, I feel bad," BelTA informs the President.

In addition, Lukashenko emphasized that Belarus does not prevent the free movement of citizens of the two countries across the Belarusian-Russian border. He also urged not to slow people down in this regard and noted that he's even glad that Russians export some Belarusian goods.

Earlier, October 24, Lukashenko said in an interview with Izvestia that the Belarusians are the most reliable and loyal partners of Russia. According to the Belarusian leader, the relationship between Russia and Belarus within the Union State should continue to build from the economic foundation. At the same time Lukashenko expressed the opinion that there are more than enough specialists in both countries to make these ties as close and strong as possible.

Prior to that, from October 7 to 9, President of Belarus visited Moscow and took part in the summit of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). On October 9, Putin and Lukashenko held talks in the Kremlin. The meeting focused on the development of Russian-Belarusian relations with an emphasis on integration cooperation within the framework of the Union State.