Lukashenko announced popular support in Belarus for the course of cooperation with Russia
President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko has stated that the Belarusian people support the course of cooperation with Russia, which was also demonstrated by the results of the recent presidential elections. President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko made this statement during negotiations with President of Russia Vladimir Putin, as reported by a BELTA correspondent.
"I have been thinking for a long time about what to say about our relations. They have indeed, as you said, reached a very high level. We are creating a unique entity in the form of a Union State, which has no historical precedents. We are forging an untrodden path. It is not easy. But, as you mentioned, we have a good mirror where we can see our steps. And that is the economy, trade and economic relations. And every year (despite all the problems - they were and will be) we are growing. This indicates that we are moving in the right direction," the President said.
Speaking about the presidential elections held in Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko noted that during such political campaigns, the question of choosing a vector between East and West is always raised in one way or another.
"Our elections are always one side and the other. The other side, as they said in a famous movie, scattered. A small part fled to the West. But they are still present in Belarus, lurking. Somewhere someone is silent," the head of state stated.
In this regard, he noted the very high voter turnout in the recent elections and the percentage of votes cast in support of the incumbent President. "Although there were restraining factors from all sides. Everyone was holding our people back. In the media (opposition media. - Ed. BELTA) and so on, so that they would not go to the polls," Alexander Lukashenko noted.
The President emphasized that almost 87% of voters voted in his support. "And this was a vote: 'We are with Russia, our eastern vector, is our cradle here or somewhere else?' Well, here is the answer. The people have answered. And this question, as the main one, has always been quietly, non-publicly, present for us. This is a feature of all our elections. Therefore, do not doubt it at all. Not only I, but my colleagues - government members, deputies - are supporters of our closest relations," the head of state declared. - We have confirmed this in our common struggle today, the sharp edge of which is the conflict in Ukraine. We have always adhered to such a course. And it is very important that the people have demonstrated this. Our people perfectly understand who our friends are, and who our opponents, enemies, and rivals are."
Alexander Lukashenko thanked his colleague for the start of the official visit. "This is a demonstration for Belarusians, Russians, that we are together. That we are sovereign independent states, but at the same time we are kindred people. That we will continue to move forward," said the head of state.