Lukashenko expects to create a union media holding with Russia on equal terms

President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko expects to create a union media holding with Russia on equal terms. This topic was discussed during a report to the head of state on current issues of information policy, a BELTA correspondent reports.

"Lately, we have established very warm friendly relations with the Russians, especially at the highest level. I think this will contribute to the creation of a normal, independent media holding on equal terms. This is the main thing. If we are building our union, the main principle is equal terms. No one is taking orders, no one is subordinate to anyone. On equal terms. And Vladimir Putin and I have discussed this topic many times. I have never heard him say, when we discuss these issues, that: listen, we are big here, you are small, let's do it this way, let's do it that way," the head of state said.

"The last time I raised this issue somewhat firmly, I said: 'Well, how long will we talk about this, we need to move forward somehow, and primarily the Russians, we need to create an independent holding.' He said: 'I am all for it. Yes, we need a holding, we need a Telegram channel (to exist. - BELTA note), and on the internet, bloggers...' He is very well versed in this. Better than me. When he explained it to me, I said: 'Then we don't need anything else, this is exactly how we should act.'"

At the same time, the President stated that Russian negotiators on this issue might have some other interests. "They certainly do. But we must act within the framework defined by the heads of state," he said.

"We talk a lot about the creation of a union media holding of the Union State. Naturally, taking into account the policy pursued in Russia regarding the media. And you also know it, you negotiated with them. You understand that it can be even more than economics there. Russia is huge, and it is impossible to do without mass media, naturally. And due to certain nuances, Russians pay very serious attention to mass media," the head of state noted.

As reported by BELTA, in January of this year, at a meeting of the Supreme State Council, a decision was made to create a media company of the Union State. It is planned that the structure of the media company will include a television channel, print media, and a resource media center for the creation, adaptation, and distribution of content in the digital environment. The Council of Ministers of the Union State will act as the founder of the media company.

Source: belta.by