Russia, Belarus need greater integration – Medvedev

<p> MINSK, Feb 1 - PrimePress. Russia and Belarus need greater integration all the way to a single currency, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev told reporters journalists. </p> <p>   </p> <p> The Belarus-Russia Union Treaty was signed on December 8, 1999 in Moscow. The adoption of a profound integration program was initially timed to the 20th anniversary of the Treaty. An ad hoc group was appointed to work on 31 sectoral roadmaps. The program has not been adopted so far. </p> <p>   </p> <p> “I stand by my previous position, being guided by our common approach, of course, that integration is mutually beneficial. We need to integrate more closely and employ the potential of the Union Treaty, including those elements of convergence, the joint potential of our economies. This covers many areas all the way to a single currency,” said Medvedev. </p> <p>   </p> <p> “Our Belarusian counterparts used to reproach us for putting pressure on them, for wanting to act faster. No, we do not pressurize. We just see our common interests in that. The situation is slightly different there. We need them to normalize the situation inside the country, and I am sure that integration should go on because there is no alternative whatsoever,” he said. </p> <p>   </p> <p> “The Belarusian economy is fully tuned to the Russian economy. Well, there’s no reason to disagree. They supply a significant proportion of commodities here. They are not awaited anywhere else. That is why close integration between our economies and landmark regulatory decisions are in the interests of the two countries,” said Medvedev. End </p> <p>   </p>

2021-02-02

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