Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🇷🇺🇧🇾 President Vladimir Putin sent a message of congratulations to President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko on the successful outcome of the parliamentary and local elections.
💬 Vladimir Putin: The high voter turnout and the election results are clear evidence of the broad support for the course towards harmonious socioeconomic development of Belarus conducted under your guidance. This policy is also designed to ensure internal political stability and promote mutually beneficial integration processes within the Union State.
We hope that the newly elected deputies of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly and the local councils at different levels will engage in productive cooperation with their Russian counterparts as part of interparliamentary dialogue and multifaceted interregional ties.
Read in full
#RussiaBelarus
💬 Vladimir Putin: The high voter turnout and the election results are clear evidence of the broad support for the course towards harmonious socioeconomic development of Belarus conducted under your guidance. This policy is also designed to ensure internal political stability and promote mutually beneficial integration processes within the Union State.
We hope that the newly elected deputies of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly and the local councils at different levels will engage in productive cooperation with their Russian counterparts as part of interparliamentary dialogue and multifaceted interregional ties.
Read in full
#RussiaBelarus
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
#Announcement
🇷🇺🇧🇾 On June 24-25, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will pay an official visit to Minsk, which will be timed to coincide with the 32nd Anniversary of diplomatic relations between Russia and Belarus.
🤝 The programme of the visit includes:
• meeting with President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko,
• meeting with Speaker of the Council of the Republic Natalya Kochanova and Chairman of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus Igor Sergeenko,
• talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Aleinik.
Sergey Lavrov will also lay a wreath at the Victory Monument and address students and teachers at the Academy of Public Administration under the President of Belarus.
The two Foreign Ministers will discuss a wide range of bilateral and international issues, as well as foreign policy coordination at multilateral venues. They will also focus on diplomatic support for integration processes within the Union State and efforts to create a new Eurasian security architecture.
They will outline a schedule for further contacts, including an annual joint meeting of the collegiums of the foreign ministries of Russia and Belarus to be held in the fourth quarter of 2024 in Minsk.
Following the talks, the two Foreign Ministers are planning to sign:
✍️ A joint statement on the main tasks in the context of the foreign policy dimension of union integration;
✍️ A joint appeal to the heads of executive structures of friendly Eurasian associations with an invitation to dialogue on security in Eurasia and work on an Eurasian Charter on Diversity and Multipolarity in the 21st Century.
#RussiaBelarus #UnionState
🇷🇺🇧🇾 On June 24-25, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will pay an official visit to Minsk, which will be timed to coincide with the 32nd Anniversary of diplomatic relations between Russia and Belarus.
🤝 The programme of the visit includes:
• meeting with President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko,
• meeting with Speaker of the Council of the Republic Natalya Kochanova and Chairman of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus Igor Sergeenko,
• talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Aleinik.
Sergey Lavrov will also lay a wreath at the Victory Monument and address students and teachers at the Academy of Public Administration under the President of Belarus.
The two Foreign Ministers will discuss a wide range of bilateral and international issues, as well as foreign policy coordination at multilateral venues. They will also focus on diplomatic support for integration processes within the Union State and efforts to create a new Eurasian security architecture.
They will outline a schedule for further contacts, including an annual joint meeting of the collegiums of the foreign ministries of Russia and Belarus to be held in the fourth quarter of 2024 in Minsk.
Following the talks, the two Foreign Ministers are planning to sign:
✍️ A joint statement on the main tasks in the context of the foreign policy dimension of union integration;
✍️ A joint appeal to the heads of executive structures of friendly Eurasian associations with an invitation to dialogue on security in Eurasia and work on an Eurasian Charter on Diversity and Multipolarity in the 21st Century.
#RussiaBelarus #UnionState
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🇷🇺🛬 Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrives in the Republic of Belarus on an official visit.
📍 Minsk, June 24
#RussiaBelarus
📍 Minsk, June 24
#RussiaBelarus
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🎙 Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s opening remarks during expanded-format talks with Foreign Minister of the Republic of Belarus Sergey Aleinik (Minsk, June 24, 2024)
💬 Sergey Lavrov: It is always a pleasure to be among friends on the hospitable Belarusian land in Minsk.
In addition to excellent conditions for joint work (we have a lot on our agenda), Minsk offers excellent opportunity to communicate with old acquaintances and comrades as well.
Thank you for expressing condolences in connection with yesterday’s terrorist attack in Sevastopol. There was another terrorist attack with casualties in Dagestan. The relevant competent authorities are doing their best to swiftly identify the perpetrators and those who ordered the attack.
We have no doubt that the United States and its Ukrainian underlings are involved in it. The weapons supplied by Washington to the Ukrainian regime were used in the attack. These weapons cannot be used without the direct involvement of the US military, including their satellite capabilities.
You have emphasised the importance of preserving historical memory no matter what. This applies to the terrorist threat which does not subside on the ground, including with regard to our respective countries, and the memory of the Great Patriotic War, which has come under attack from numerous angles. Attempts are being made to rewrite history, and to equate the victor and the aggressor. Monuments are being torn down, and Nazi criminals are being glorified.
Key talking points:
• During the recent “summit on peace in Ukraine” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shouted out Nazi slogans, and no one, including “neutral” Swiss hosts, dared to call him to order.
• Our interaction is more valuable than ever given the circumstances. In recent years, it has reached unprecedented heights.
• This is my third trip to Minsk and our sixth meeting this year. We know there will be more this year. I appreciate the invitation to attend the second Minsk Conference on Eurasian Security, which will be held on October 31-November 1. We will definitely be there.
#RussiaBelarus
#EurasianSecurity
💬 Sergey Lavrov: It is always a pleasure to be among friends on the hospitable Belarusian land in Minsk.
In addition to excellent conditions for joint work (we have a lot on our agenda), Minsk offers excellent opportunity to communicate with old acquaintances and comrades as well.
Thank you for expressing condolences in connection with yesterday’s terrorist attack in Sevastopol. There was another terrorist attack with casualties in Dagestan. The relevant competent authorities are doing their best to swiftly identify the perpetrators and those who ordered the attack.
We have no doubt that the United States and its Ukrainian underlings are involved in it. The weapons supplied by Washington to the Ukrainian regime were used in the attack. These weapons cannot be used without the direct involvement of the US military, including their satellite capabilities.
You have emphasised the importance of preserving historical memory no matter what. This applies to the terrorist threat which does not subside on the ground, including with regard to our respective countries, and the memory of the Great Patriotic War, which has come under attack from numerous angles. Attempts are being made to rewrite history, and to equate the victor and the aggressor. Monuments are being torn down, and Nazi criminals are being glorified.
Key talking points:
• During the recent “summit on peace in Ukraine” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shouted out Nazi slogans, and no one, including “neutral” Swiss hosts, dared to call him to order.
• Our interaction is more valuable than ever given the circumstances. In recent years, it has reached unprecedented heights.
• This is my third trip to Minsk and our sixth meeting this year. We know there will be more this year. I appreciate the invitation to attend the second Minsk Conference on Eurasian Security, which will be held on October 31-November 1. We will definitely be there.
#RussiaBelarus
#EurasianSecurity
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🇷🇺🇧🇾 Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s opening remarks during a meeting with President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko (Minsk, June 25, 2024)
💬 Thank you for your kind words about the foreign ministries of our countries. We do our best to achieve the strategic goals that you and President of Russia Vladimir Putin have set in foreign policy, and to organise our foreign political activities in a manner that provides diplomatic support for integration.
Yesterday, we signed the Joint Statement on the Main Foreign Policy Tasks of the Union Integration of Russia and Belarus. The statement directs us to always consider the interests of the Union State rather than the interests of Minsk or Moscow separately when strengthening our coordination.
All the agreements concerning the Shanghai Cooperation Organisations have been finalised. As the first act of the Summit in Astana, Belarus will be officially accepted as a full #SCO Member State. Minsk will participate in all events on par with the other members.
🌐 We can report on other matters as well. Yesterday, we held a detailed discussion about the #UN and the #OSCE. You are fortunate in that Belarus was never a member of the Council of Europe, so you did not have to withdraw.
Eurasian security are under discussion as well. Both you and Vladimir Putin have voiced your proposals.
<...>
👉 Mr Aleinik and I discussed how to promote the concept of Eurasian security and get more like-minded Parties involved. I believe this concept has good prospects.
Read in full
#RussiaBelarus #UnionState
💬 Thank you for your kind words about the foreign ministries of our countries. We do our best to achieve the strategic goals that you and President of Russia Vladimir Putin have set in foreign policy, and to organise our foreign political activities in a manner that provides diplomatic support for integration.
Yesterday, we signed the Joint Statement on the Main Foreign Policy Tasks of the Union Integration of Russia and Belarus. The statement directs us to always consider the interests of the Union State rather than the interests of Minsk or Moscow separately when strengthening our coordination.
All the agreements concerning the Shanghai Cooperation Organisations have been finalised. As the first act of the Summit in Astana, Belarus will be officially accepted as a full #SCO Member State. Minsk will participate in all events on par with the other members.
🌐 We can report on other matters as well. Yesterday, we held a detailed discussion about the #UN and the #OSCE. You are fortunate in that Belarus was never a member of the Council of Europe, so you did not have to withdraw.
Eurasian security are under discussion as well. Both you and Vladimir Putin have voiced your proposals.
<...>
👉 Mr Aleinik and I discussed how to promote the concept of Eurasian security and get more like-minded Parties involved. I believe this concept has good prospects.
Read in full
#RussiaBelarus #UnionState
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🎙 Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s statement and answers to media questions at a joint news conference following talks with Foreign Minister of the Republic of Belarus Sergey Aleinik (Minsk, June 24, 2024)
💬 Sergey Lavrov: I would like to once again express my gratitude to our Belarusian friends for your warm hospitality and excellent arrangements during my official trip to the Republic of Belarus.
Our talks were held in a trust-based and friendly atmosphere, were quite substantive and covered an extensive number of issues.
We focused on important international matters. We compared notes on numerous aspects of bilateral cooperation, including interministerial interaction and foreign policy alignment.
Key talking points:
• Our absolute priorities include foreign policy support for the Union integration and strengthening international positions of the Union State, the 25th Anniversary of which we will celebrate on December 8, 2024.
• We will provide every bit of assistance to our Belarusian allies in order to get them fully onboard at the #SCO and various #BRICS mechanisms as soon as possible.
• We condemn the Western countries’ actions that have led to the Ukraine crisis and the final collapse of the security system in Europe, based on the Euro-Atlantic principles. In this context, we have paid special attention to the prospects for creating a new architecture of equal and indivisible security in Eurasia, inviting all countries in our common continent to cooperate in this process.
• Our proposal [on Eurasian security] is addressed to all those who are willing to consider the prospect for creating a new security system on an equitable basis with regard for the interests of all countries on the continent and based on the balance of these interests, excluding any outside interference.
• We reiterated our commitment to jointly uphold traditional values and the historical truth, and to prevent the rewriting of history and the glorification of Nazism.
• We noted the counterproductive consequences of politicising international cultural, humanitarian, scientific and sports relations.
• We focused on creating a common Union State space in defence and security. We noted that the joint regional grouping of troops and forces deployed in the Republic, as well as advanced Russian defence complexes and tactical nuclear weapons which reliably shield our common western borders in accordance with the decisions of the presidents of the two countries, are quite helpful in achieving this goal.
Read in full
#RussiaBelarus
💬 Sergey Lavrov: I would like to once again express my gratitude to our Belarusian friends for your warm hospitality and excellent arrangements during my official trip to the Republic of Belarus.
Our talks were held in a trust-based and friendly atmosphere, were quite substantive and covered an extensive number of issues.
We focused on important international matters. We compared notes on numerous aspects of bilateral cooperation, including interministerial interaction and foreign policy alignment.
Key talking points:
• Our absolute priorities include foreign policy support for the Union integration and strengthening international positions of the Union State, the 25th Anniversary of which we will celebrate on December 8, 2024.
• We will provide every bit of assistance to our Belarusian allies in order to get them fully onboard at the #SCO and various #BRICS mechanisms as soon as possible.
• We condemn the Western countries’ actions that have led to the Ukraine crisis and the final collapse of the security system in Europe, based on the Euro-Atlantic principles. In this context, we have paid special attention to the prospects for creating a new architecture of equal and indivisible security in Eurasia, inviting all countries in our common continent to cooperate in this process.
• Our proposal [on Eurasian security] is addressed to all those who are willing to consider the prospect for creating a new security system on an equitable basis with regard for the interests of all countries on the continent and based on the balance of these interests, excluding any outside interference.
• We reiterated our commitment to jointly uphold traditional values and the historical truth, and to prevent the rewriting of history and the glorification of Nazism.
• We noted the counterproductive consequences of politicising international cultural, humanitarian, scientific and sports relations.
• We focused on creating a common Union State space in defence and security. We noted that the joint regional grouping of troops and forces deployed in the Republic, as well as advanced Russian defence complexes and tactical nuclear weapons which reliably shield our common western borders in accordance with the decisions of the presidents of the two countries, are quite helpful in achieving this goal.
Read in full
#RussiaBelarus
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🎙 President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin sent greetings to participants in the panel session of the 11th Forum of Russian and Belarusian Regions (June 28, 2024)
💬 Vladimir Putin: I am delighted to welcome the participants and organisers of the 11th Forum of Russian and Belarusian Regions.
Our meetings in this format have become a good tradition. This time, about 800 delegates from the majority of the constituent entities of Russian and Belarusian regions are attending the forum, including heads of regions, members of parliament, heads of agencies, business people and representatives of public and youth organisations. <...>
It is notable that this year the forum is focused on the role of interregional cooperation in developing the innovative economy of the Union State. This is one of the most topical issues, as Russia and Belarus are actively working to implement new technologies in all economic spheres and to boost the development of science-intensive sectors in industry and agriculture.
☝️ This is crucial for strengthening the sovereignty of our states, enhancing their competitiveness and ensuring their long-term sustainable economic growth, which naturally requires energetic and creative contributions not only from federal and central authorities but also from the regions. <...>
The package of agreements reached at the forum comprises about 250 agreements and commercial contracts worth 24 billion rubles in total. Their implementation will certainly help expand interaction between our regions and promote Russia-Belarus trade and investment cooperation. <...>
Last year, trade increased by more than 5 percent, reaching a record $46.5 billion, primarily driven by region-to-region interaction between manufacturers, wholesale vendors, and logistics centres based in various parts of both countries. <...>
🤝 Integration processes unfolding within the Union State and the Eurasian Economic Union play a crucial role in deepening region-to-region cooperation between Russia and Belarus.
Due to the increasingly close integration, Russian and Belarusian companies can operate within a single economic landscape, regardless of the region they are based in, without any barriers or obstacles.
Read in full
#RussiaBelarus
💬 Vladimir Putin: I am delighted to welcome the participants and organisers of the 11th Forum of Russian and Belarusian Regions.
Our meetings in this format have become a good tradition. This time, about 800 delegates from the majority of the constituent entities of Russian and Belarusian regions are attending the forum, including heads of regions, members of parliament, heads of agencies, business people and representatives of public and youth organisations. <...>
It is notable that this year the forum is focused on the role of interregional cooperation in developing the innovative economy of the Union State. This is one of the most topical issues, as Russia and Belarus are actively working to implement new technologies in all economic spheres and to boost the development of science-intensive sectors in industry and agriculture.
☝️ This is crucial for strengthening the sovereignty of our states, enhancing their competitiveness and ensuring their long-term sustainable economic growth, which naturally requires energetic and creative contributions not only from federal and central authorities but also from the regions. <...>
The package of agreements reached at the forum comprises about 250 agreements and commercial contracts worth 24 billion rubles in total. Their implementation will certainly help expand interaction between our regions and promote Russia-Belarus trade and investment cooperation. <...>
Last year, trade increased by more than 5 percent, reaching a record $46.5 billion, primarily driven by region-to-region interaction between manufacturers, wholesale vendors, and logistics centres based in various parts of both countries. <...>
🤝 Integration processes unfolding within the Union State and the Eurasian Economic Union play a crucial role in deepening region-to-region cooperation between Russia and Belarus.
Due to the increasingly close integration, Russian and Belarusian companies can operate within a single economic landscape, regardless of the region they are based in, without any barriers or obstacles.
Read in full
#RussiaBelarus
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🎙 Briefing by Deputy Director of the Foreign Ministry's Information and Press Department Andrey Nastasin (Moscow, July 3, 2024)
🔹 Ukrainian crisis
🔹 Kiev regime’s war crimes
🔹 Situation in Moldova
🔹 Independence Day of Belarus
🔹 London and its loyalists
🔹 UN General Assembly resolution on World Swahili Language Day
🔹 World Olympic Day and the decline of the Olympic Movement
🔹 Results of the meeting of NATO defence ministers
📰 Read
📺 Watch
***
#Ukraine
• On June 28, Zelensky extended greetings to Ukrainians on Constitution Day. It looked like a blatant mockery of the country’s citizens as well as its basic law. There is no way a person who has usurped power could be considered a guarantor of the Constitution in a democratic and law-based state.
❗️The road to Europe, which Zelensky covered in his “congratulations” much more extensively than the Constitution itself, is paved with dead Ukrainian citizens. <...> Condolences, not congratulations, are a far more suitable choice given the circumstances.
#Moldova
• The European Council has adopted a time-serving and totally politicised decision to open accession negotiations with Moldova on June 25. The Moldovan authorities saw this as the approval of their anti-Russia policy and a free hand to continue turning the republic into a “European dictatorship” under the guise of fighting the non-existent Russian “hybrid threats.”
☝️ Chisinau’s persecution campaigns and arbitrary acts are promoting an increasingly negative reaction in society.
#UnionState #RussiaBelarus #WWII
• Today, 80 years after the liberation of Belarus from the invaders, joint search teams and law enforcement agencies of the Union State of Russia and Belarus discover new crimes against humanity committed by the Nazi invaders and their collaborators.
👉 The enormous amount of work done by the two countries’ lawyers, historians and prosecutor’s offices made it possible to officially recognise the Nazi extermination policy during the war as a full-scale genocide of the Soviet people.
🔹 Ukrainian crisis
🔹 Kiev regime’s war crimes
🔹 Situation in Moldova
🔹 Independence Day of Belarus
🔹 London and its loyalists
🔹 UN General Assembly resolution on World Swahili Language Day
🔹 World Olympic Day and the decline of the Olympic Movement
🔹 Results of the meeting of NATO defence ministers
📰 Read
📺 Watch
***
#Ukraine
• On June 28, Zelensky extended greetings to Ukrainians on Constitution Day. It looked like a blatant mockery of the country’s citizens as well as its basic law. There is no way a person who has usurped power could be considered a guarantor of the Constitution in a democratic and law-based state.
❗️The road to Europe, which Zelensky covered in his “congratulations” much more extensively than the Constitution itself, is paved with dead Ukrainian citizens. <...> Condolences, not congratulations, are a far more suitable choice given the circumstances.
#Moldova
• The European Council has adopted a time-serving and totally politicised decision to open accession negotiations with Moldova on June 25. The Moldovan authorities saw this as the approval of their anti-Russia policy and a free hand to continue turning the republic into a “European dictatorship” under the guise of fighting the non-existent Russian “hybrid threats.”
☝️ Chisinau’s persecution campaigns and arbitrary acts are promoting an increasingly negative reaction in society.
#UnionState #RussiaBelarus #WWII
• Today, 80 years after the liberation of Belarus from the invaders, joint search teams and law enforcement agencies of the Union State of Russia and Belarus discover new crimes against humanity committed by the Nazi invaders and their collaborators.
👉 The enormous amount of work done by the two countries’ lawyers, historians and prosecutor’s offices made it possible to officially recognise the Nazi extermination policy during the war as a full-scale genocide of the Soviet people.
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🇷🇺🇧🇾 President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin congratulated Alexander Lukashenko on the 30th anniversary of his tenure as President of Belarus.
✍️ The entire recent history of Belarus, that is inextricably linked with your name, heralded the establishment of modern state institutions and considerable successes in social and economic spheres. On six consecutive occasions, Belarusian voters entrusted the top state position to you, and this is, doubtless, a testimony to your tremendous authority and prestige among compatriots.
It is hard to overestimate your personal contribution to the development of friendly relations and fruitful cooperation between our countries, to asserting and strengthening the Union State and advancing mutually beneficial integration processes in the Eurasian region.
I will be happy to continue our constructive and comradely dialogue, as well as close-knit joint work, for the benefit of the fraternal peoples of Russia and Belarus.
#RussiaBelarus
✍️ The entire recent history of Belarus, that is inextricably linked with your name, heralded the establishment of modern state institutions and considerable successes in social and economic spheres. On six consecutive occasions, Belarusian voters entrusted the top state position to you, and this is, doubtless, a testimony to your tremendous authority and prestige among compatriots.
It is hard to overestimate your personal contribution to the development of friendly relations and fruitful cooperation between our countries, to asserting and strengthening the Union State and advancing mutually beneficial integration processes in the Eurasian region.
I will be happy to continue our constructive and comradely dialogue, as well as close-knit joint work, for the benefit of the fraternal peoples of Russia and Belarus.
#RussiaBelarus
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🇷🇺🇧🇾 On October 9, President of Russia Vladimir Putin presented the Order of St Andrew the Apostle the First-Called, the highest state decoration of the Russian Federation, to President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko in a ceremony held in St Andrew’s Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace.
Alexander Lukashenko was decorated for his outstanding achievements in developing allied relations and strategic partnership between Russia and Belarus, strengthening friendly ties between the peoples of Russia and Belarus, as well as for making a significant personal contribution to the creation of the Union State and ensuring its effective operation.
💬 President Putin: We have gathered in St Andrew’s Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace to take part in a ceremony for presenting the highest state decoration of the Russian Federation, the Order of St Andrew the Apostle the First-Called, to President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko.
This is Russia’s oldest order, instituted more than three centuries ago by Peter the Great in honour of St Andrew the Apostle the First-Called, who was a Christian saint, religious leader, apostle and martyr. He is also the patron of the Russian land and the Orthodox Church and has enjoyed special respect in both Russia and Belarus.
🎖 According to the statute for this order, it can be awarded to prominent Russian government officials, as well as foreign leaders for their outstanding service in strengthening ties with our country.
Mr Lukashenko, you certainly are worthy of this high decoration. By bestowing the Order of St Andrew the Apostle the First-Called upon you, Russia expresses its gratitude for your outstanding contribution to developing Russia-Belarus relations, alliance and strategic partnership.
These relations rest on a solid foundation formed by the perennial principles of friendship and cooperation, mutual respect and due regard for each other’s interests, as well as shared spiritual values, and the fact that many people in Russia and Belarus have close family ties.
☝️ This solid foundation has served as a bedrock for Russia and Belarus in their efforts to build the Union State, which has effectively guaranteed our common defence and security, and created a common economic, legal and humanitarian space.
Mr Lukashenko, you stood at the roots of the Union State and made a meaningful contribution to strengthening and developing it. We know you as a persistent and unwavering advocate of preserving and expanding close ties across the space formed by the Commonwealth of Independent States.
<...>
I am certain that our combined efforts will enable us to make further strides in promoting #RussiaBelarus cooperation. We will seek to further reinforce our mutually beneficial economic ties and close contacts, while effectively ensuring security for our countries and the Union State.
🤝 Mr Lukashenko, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to you on receiving Russia’s highest state decoration and wish you good health and success in your public duties. I wish the people of Belarus, our brotherly nation, peace, stability and prosperity.
Alexander Lukashenko was decorated for his outstanding achievements in developing allied relations and strategic partnership between Russia and Belarus, strengthening friendly ties between the peoples of Russia and Belarus, as well as for making a significant personal contribution to the creation of the Union State and ensuring its effective operation.
💬 President Putin: We have gathered in St Andrew’s Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace to take part in a ceremony for presenting the highest state decoration of the Russian Federation, the Order of St Andrew the Apostle the First-Called, to President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko.
This is Russia’s oldest order, instituted more than three centuries ago by Peter the Great in honour of St Andrew the Apostle the First-Called, who was a Christian saint, religious leader, apostle and martyr. He is also the patron of the Russian land and the Orthodox Church and has enjoyed special respect in both Russia and Belarus.
🎖 According to the statute for this order, it can be awarded to prominent Russian government officials, as well as foreign leaders for their outstanding service in strengthening ties with our country.
Mr Lukashenko, you certainly are worthy of this high decoration. By bestowing the Order of St Andrew the Apostle the First-Called upon you, Russia expresses its gratitude for your outstanding contribution to developing Russia-Belarus relations, alliance and strategic partnership.
These relations rest on a solid foundation formed by the perennial principles of friendship and cooperation, mutual respect and due regard for each other’s interests, as well as shared spiritual values, and the fact that many people in Russia and Belarus have close family ties.
☝️ This solid foundation has served as a bedrock for Russia and Belarus in their efforts to build the Union State, which has effectively guaranteed our common defence and security, and created a common economic, legal and humanitarian space.
Mr Lukashenko, you stood at the roots of the Union State and made a meaningful contribution to strengthening and developing it. We know you as a persistent and unwavering advocate of preserving and expanding close ties across the space formed by the Commonwealth of Independent States.
<...>
I am certain that our combined efforts will enable us to make further strides in promoting #RussiaBelarus cooperation. We will seek to further reinforce our mutually beneficial economic ties and close contacts, while effectively ensuring security for our countries and the Union State.
🤝 Mr Lukashenko, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to you on receiving Russia’s highest state decoration and wish you good health and success in your public duties. I wish the people of Belarus, our brotherly nation, peace, stability and prosperity.