Lukashenko inks SCC decree approving 28 union programs aiming for closer integration with Russia

<p> MINSK, Nov 4 - PrimePress. President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko signed the decree of the Supreme State Council (SSC) of the Union State of Belarus and Russia “On the guidelines for Implementing the Union State Treaty in 2021-2023” during a session of the SSC session held by videoconference on 4 Nov 2021. </p> <p>   </p> <p> Prior to Lukashenko signing the decree, the document was approved by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The SSC decree approves the 28 roadmaps, which set the milestones of integration of both states in the framework of the Union State. </p> <p>   </p> <p> As previously reported, Presidents of Belarus and Russia Alexander Lukashenko and Vladimir Putin, at a meeting in Moscow on 9 September 2021, reconciled all 28 union programmes to deepen integration between the two countries. On 10 Sep 2021 the Council of Ministers of the Union State approved the 2021-2023 guidelines for the implementation of the provisions of the Treaty on the Creation of the Union State and 28 Union State programmes aimed to accomplish major aspects of strengthening Russia-Belarus integration. </p> <p>   </p> <p> “Everyone criticized us. They, especially some Telegram channels in Russia, were wondering whether we would sign the documents or not. Today we have delivered the answer to this question by the entire Supreme State Council. Here, I am putting my signature. I see your [Russian president’s] signature under the ordinance and also the signatures of all members of the Supreme State Council. If you don’t mind, I will now sign the ordinance, too. Everyone will be held accountable, not only me,” Lukashenko said before signing the document. </p> <p>   </p> <p> According to Lukashenko, Belarus and Russia are about to reboot the joint economic space, which involves the introduction of modern technologies, styles and methods of decision-making. This work should result in the formation of a qualitatively new environment for trade of goods and services, the joint industry markets and unified financial, tax, credit, industrial and other policies. </p> <p>   </p> <p> “There is a need to raise the cooperation between public administration bodies to a new level, instruct them to address issues of bilateral relations as a matter of priority, taking into account mutual interests. At the same time, I want to warn governments against theorizing much. We should see the practical impact of these decisions soon, as they say, tomorrow. First of all, we are talking about the implementation of major joint projects. We already have positive examples, such as projects in nuclear energy and space exploration,” said Lukashenko. </p> <p>   </p> <p> He congratulated the Russian side and all Russians on National Unity Day. Putin flew to Sevastopol to celebrate, so Lukashenko asked his Russian counterpart to convey the warmest congratulations from Belarusians and wishes of strong health and courage in these complicated times to Crimea residents. “They have to understand that they are not alone. All of us are nearby and we will hold on to each other and help in these difficult times,” said Lukashenko. </p> <p>   </p> <p> Lukashenko noted that he and the Russian president would still find time to discuss some aspects of Union State construction. “In conclusion I would like to complain to members of the Supreme State Council. Ukraine has closed the sky for Belarus and we cannot get to Crimea via Ukraine in any way. While we have properties and some other problems over there. And Vladimir Vladimirovich [Putin] had been promising me all the time that he would take me to Crimea, show new things, what new things have been done over there. And a lot has been done. He promised he would take me to Crimea along the way. But today he went there alone and didn't invite me to come along. This is why I present my complaint before members of the Supreme State Council,” Lukashenko said. End </p> <p>   </p>

2021-11-05

Primepress