Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko arrived on Sunday for a two-day visit to St. Petersburg. He met there with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.
— We are the driving force behind the integration processes of post-Soviet countries. We don't impose anything on anyone. If you want, include it in your internal policy. If not, then no. However, this is a good example of commitment to cooperation and integration, said the leader, quoted by the state-owned Belta.
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Where did Lukashenko and Putin meet?
What did Lukashenko bring for Putin?
How did Lukashenko comment on the lack of rest?
What is the Eurasian Economic Forum?
Lukashenko complains about the lack of rest. Putin's busy schedule
Alexander Lukashenko also thanked Vladimir Putin for the invitation. — When I was preparing for this business trip, (…) I thought at the beginning that I had already finished the main events and it was time to rest a bit. None of these things. Life doesn't allow us to relax too much, the leader said.
— Maybe it's a good thing, because [pokazuje, że] We are in good shape, he added.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also mentioned the Russian president's full schedule. – There will be no peace. The January schedule will be as tight as the one at the end of the year, he emphasized.
— The holidays will be filled with work. Vladimir Putin has no “off” days in the traditional sense of the word, added Dmitry Peskov, quoted by TASS.
Vladimir Putin's birthday. Alexander Lukashenko brought an overdue gift
The Belarusian delegation was also supposed to bring an overdue birthday gift for Vladimir Putin. The Russian dictator celebrated his 73rd birthday over two months ago, on October 7. However, the gift was given only now.
— We brought what we promised previously. We were looking forward to this visit to the “Northern capital of Russia” to be able to bring back this large-format, beautiful painting that captures the Belarusian soul. It was painted especially for the President of Russia, said Natalia Eismont, Alexander Lukashenko's spokeswoman, quoted by TASS.
Vladimir Putin talks about the “emerging multipolar world”
Alexander Lukashenko and Vladimir Putin leaders take part in the Eurasian Economic Forum in St. Petersburg. The dictators are also to participate in an informal meeting of the leaders of the Commonwealth of Independent States.
— Cooperation within the Eurasian Economic Union, one of the independent and self-sufficient centers of the emerging multipolar world, is constantly developing, Vladimir Putin emphasized on Sunday, whose words were quoted by TASS.
The Russian leader also noted the development of trade and the strengthening of cooperative ties between the members of the organization. — All this brings real benefits to each of the member states and positively affects the quality of life and well-being of people, he noted.
