A meeting by videoconference of the Supreme State Council of the Union State Nov. 4, between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko set forth guidelines for implementing the provisions of the treaty establishing the Union State in 2021-2023. This is the culmination of lengthy negotiations between the two countries, which Putin said were often intensive and “sometimes challenging.” The two leaders signed several resolutions of the Supreme State Council of the Union State on the results of the Russian-Belarusian Trade and Economic cooperation throughout 2020 and January-June 2021 and in his speech at the meeting, Putin reported on the Kremlin website, Putin emphasized that the agreements signed will further promote and enhance “the economic, political and military integration of Russia and Belarus.” These included a total of 28 sectoral and Union programs designed to promote “a coordinated, macroeconomic strategy, unified taxation principles … implement a common policy in the credit and financial and banking sectors, in industry and agriculture, harmonize regulations for the unified oil, gas and electric power markets and for transport services.” (http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/67066)
Highlighting the symbolism of these agreements being signed on Russia’s National Unity Day, Putin pointed out that Russia and Belarus have much in common—sharing the “bond of centuries-old brotherly friendship, a shared past, spiritual and moral values.” The comprehensive agreements signed, he said, deal with every facet of bilateral relations—sectoral ties, industrial cooperation, growing common transport infrastructure, high-tech research-intensive projects, including the building of a nuclear power plant in Belarus, whose first unit was launched this year, and energy. He pointed to the benefits Belarus enjoys through its long-term gas contracts with Gazprom, by which it pays a price that is seven, eight and sometimes even nine times lower than what is available from the European spot market.
“Belarus is not just a good neighbor and our closest ally … but also a truly brotherly Republic, a brotherly people. Making sure that it stays this way forever is our unwavering commitment,” Putin said. He emphasized that this integration also means coordinating efforts “in other spheres, including political and defense matters.” In an obvious reference to those Western governments that seek regime change in Belarus (and in Russia), Putin emphasized that “creating an atmosphere of stability and security along our external borders has special importance in this context,” and stating, “we will work together to counter any attempts to interfere in the domestic affairs of sovereign states. Make no mistake, Russia will continue supporting the brotherly people of Belarus.” In a slightly different translation, TASS quoted him as saying, “We are determined to repel side-by-side any attempts to interfere in our sovereign states’ internal affairs.”
