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Russia-Belarus narrow-format talks were attended on behalf of Belarus by First Deputy Prime Minister Nikolai Snopkov, Deputy Prime Minister Pyotr Parkhomchik, Foreign Minister Sergei Aleinik and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to the Russian Federation Dmitry Krutoi. Russia was represented by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov and Defence Minister Andrei Belousov.

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President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko: Mr Putin, I would like to welcome you again to Belarusian land. I am pleased that you like Minsk and our people. You have already noticed some things by an experienced eye and this is nice, especially as regards non-military.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: The city is in a good shape. It is beautiful.

Alexander Lukashenko: As we agreed yesterday, we always have two parts: issues of security and the economy. We always left our economic issues for the consideration by our governments but today we have a pretext to hear what has been done in connection with our instructions. We would also have to address one and a half or two questions. We will ask specialists what they think about this. They will report to us. At the final news conference, we will inform the media about this, about everything.

And now I think we should listen to the heads of the groups present here, if you do not mind. They will tell us about the problems if any. I believe, today we are in a position to make certain decisions. People have been talking much about this lately. They are saying it is good that we are allies and close, kinship states. We should make decisions in this context.

Vladimir Putin: Mr Lukashenko, thank you very much for the invitation. I am saying this on behalf of our entire team. Of course, we are in constant contact. We are always in touch and we meet regularly. There are always milestones. We have an opportunity today to assess what has been done, what is happening now and what needs to be done in the near future. We should map out specific joint steps for our advance, for the development of our states.

As you just said, on June 3 Belarus will celebrate Independence Day and the Day of Liberation from Nazi Invaders.

Alexander Lukashenko: The 80^th anniversary.

Vladimir Putin: The 80^th anniversary. These are also important landmarks in the development of our states. As for the events related to the Great Patriotic War, they are our common history.

The Union State will be 25 years old. We can also look at what has been done and what is yet to be done.

I think overall our economy is doing well. The results of the economic development speak for themselves. I would like to congratulate you on this as well. Belarus feels confident. It stands confidently on its feet – the economy is making headway.

You said a few words about the city. Indeed, I took a ride and saw it. The city is in a very good shape. It is beautiful. I would like to compliment the city authorities on this in the first place. Such at atmosphere. The weather is also good today, and this is a festive environment.

Thank you for the invitation once again. As I said, yesterday we met with our colleagues before my trip here. They made short reports on what is being done in specific areas. I think in general there are no outstanding problems, as I understood from these reports. If it is necessary to coordinate some things additionally, we will certainly do this during the talks.

Thank you for the invitation.

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