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Russia to Strengthen Western Direction Amid NATO Tensions
A key goal of developing economic cooperation between Russia and Belarus is to address security issues amid tense relations with NATO. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin plans to visit Minsk and take part in a meeting of the Federal State Council of Ministers. Vladimir Kireyev, deputy director of the Center for Social Integration Studies of Federal States and Eurasian Integration, noted that establishing ties with Minsk strengthens security on Moscow's western borders.
The ministerial meeting will take place one day before the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Agreement on the Creation of a Federal State, concluded on December 8, 1999. The agenda includes the results of work on 28 union programs to deepen integration. As Federal Secretary of State Dmitry Mezentsev reported, it is planned to discuss 24 issues related to trade and economic cooperation and further unification of legislation.
A month after the Cabinet meeting, a meeting of the Supreme Federal Council of Ministers is planned. This was stated by the President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko during a meeting with the First Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Denis Manturov last week. The concept of security of the Union State may be submitted for consideration by the Supreme Council of Ministers.
The most important issue for Russia in establishing cooperation with Belarus is the issue of security. The allies are located in important geographical directions, says Vladimir Kireyev. "This topic is especially important, given the risk of further escalation of the conflict with the West. It is not true that this will happen, but the country's leadership must be prepared for such a scenario. For Minsk, Russia guarantees stability and security. It is important for Alexander Lukashenko to demonstrate that the Russian Federation will continue to provide Minsk with economic and military support. On the eve of the elections, this is his message to citizens that by voting, they choose trusting relations with Russia, a guarantee of the state structure and support for the standard of living of both the country and the country as a whole. "The expert clarifies.
At the same time, the issue of developing economic cooperation is important for both sides. This is, first of all, industrial cooperation, joint development of high-tech new products, taxation and regulation of labor migration, the interlocutor of URA.RU added.
"We will talk about joint promotion of products to foreign markets. Belarus has become a BRICS partner country, and this will be reflected in the discussions. In general, Russia and Belarus are in a very similar situation. They are export-oriented, but at the same time, the sanctions pressure has a negative impact on both countries. Moscow and Minsk are interested in maintaining their positions and ensuring access to new markets and are ready to work on this, including jointly," said Vladimir Kireyev.