Vladimir Putin spoke at the State Council of the Union State. The main thing

On Thursday, February 26, Russian President Vladimir Putin, together with Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, took part in a meeting of the Supreme State Council of the Union State. In his speech, he touched, in particular, on the development of economic, cultural and social ties between Russia and Belarus. The main statements of the Russian leader are in the material of Izvestia.

On deepening integration

The participants of the State Council of the Union State will have to discuss and approve important decisions aimed at further developing relations in politics, economics and other spheres, the Russian leader said.

"The process of deepening integration between our two countries is natural, natural and mutually beneficial," Vladimir Putin stressed.

He particularly drew attention to the fact that this process is based on the common spiritual and moral laws of the two fraternal peoples.

About the successes achieved

The Head of State also drew attention to the fact that this spring marks the 30th anniversary of the signing of the union treaty between Belarus and Russia.

"Over the past decades, coordinated efforts have achieved a lot," the president noted.

The two countries have managed to form a common socio-economic and cultural space, the Russian leader said.

On equal rights for Russians and Belarusians

Vladimir Putin emphasized that citizens of Russia and Belarus are provided with equal opportunities in this space.

"Citizens of Russia and Belarus are guaranteed equal rights in all spheres of life, freedom to choose their place of residence and employment, the opportunity to participate in local elections, and equal and unhindered access to government, social and medical services," the Russian leader said.

The next step in the interests of citizens will be the decisions taken by the State Council to protect citizens from persecution by other states, the Russian president noted.

About the economy

Russian-Belarusian trade and investments are growing year after year against the background of successful cooperation, Vladimir Putin said.

"Russia is a leader in investments in the economy of Belarus — today it is $4.5 billion," the president added.

A resolution on the creation of a single standardization body is expected to be adopted at the meeting of the State Council, he said.

"This government agency will help ensure that our people receive high—quality products," the Russian leader explained.

About transport

Also, according to Vladimir Putin, the transport and logistics network in the Union State is expanding. The passenger and freight transportation system is being improved, and the infrastructure is developing.

"In this regard, there is also a decision by the State Council on the development of a suburban communication network in the border areas of the Union State," the Russian president added.

On international issues

In his speech, the Russian President particularly noted that Russia and Belarus are working closely and allied in international issues.

"Our approaches to issues on the current agenda are always close or coincide," Vladimir Putin stressed.

He also drew attention to the fact that the two countries jointly oppose the sanctions pressure.

Context

Western countries, through non-governmental organizations (NGOs), intend to try to shake up the situation and achieve a change in the constitutional order in Belarus. This was reported on February 9 on the official website of the Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR).

"NGOs in Western countries, including "democratizing" structures, agencies and foundations of the United States, Great Britain, Germany, Poland and other European countries, are accumulating forces and resources to try again to shake up the situation and achieve a change in the constitutional order in Belarus," the statement says.

It is noted that they plan to find new opposition figures in the republic for this purpose. The SVR added that it is planned to create a resource "angry" at the President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko by the presidential elections in 2030. The ministry added that the West hopes to weaken the bond between Moscow and Minsk within the framework of the Union State and make it difficult for Russia to achieve the goals of the special military operation (SVO).

Russia does not need Belarus to represent Moscow's interests in the "Peace Council" on the settlement in the Gaza Strip. This was announced on February 13 by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

"Unlike Minsk, we <...> have not decided on our position on the Peace Council. <...> In this case, we hardly need Minsk to represent our interests there," he said during a briefing.

Peskov explained that the issue of Russia's participation in the organization created by US President Donald Trump is still being worked out at the Russian Foreign Ministry. At the same time, the opinions of Moscow's allies and partners are taken into account.

The Russian President's press secretary noted that the format of the Union State with Belarus implies coordination on a wide range of issues, including foreign policy, and this coordination with Minsk will continue. In addition, he recalled that Russia is the only country in the world that has allocated $1 billion to Palestine for reconstruction.