Lukashenko says external challenges prove 'strength' of Union State

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
2 Apr 2023 13:10

The President of Belarus and the Russian President congratulate each other on the Day of Unity and stress the importance of their friendship vis-a-vis the development of their countries.

The Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko delivers a state-of-the-nation address in Minsk, Belarus, March 31, 2023. (AP)

The life quality of citizens in Russia and Belarus will be improved upon the full implementation of agreements of the Union State, according to Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.

On the Day of Unity of the Peoples of Belarus and Russia, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Lukashenko exchanged congratulatory messages wherein the Belarusian President stated "I am sure that the full implementation of the agreements reached will open up new prospects for union building, give impetus to the progressive development of the economies, and contribute to improving the quality of life of the citizens of our countries."

Lukashenko also explained in the statement that the unprecedented external challenges "proved the strength and inseparability of the Belarusian-Russian friendship based on the principles of equality, mutual respect, trust and support, historical community and commitment to the same spiritual and moral values."

Furthermore, Lukashenko stated that the Union State was the engine of the post-Soviet unification process. Belarus and the Russian Federation are working together to explore outer space, construct nuclear power facilities, execute microelectronics and aircraft projects, and conduct groundbreaking high-tech research.

It remained, however, that the "most important achievement is ensuring equality of citizens' rights, social guarantees, payment of pensions, opportunities for employment and admission to universities."

Significantly the Belarusian President stressed that the clear desire of the peoples of Russia and Belarus for the unity established through the Union State served as "a solid foundation for further expansion of mutually beneficial cooperation." And through that, Lukashenko said the Union State would be made "stronger and more prosperous."

Belarus' president also congratulated several Russian top officials, including Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, on the Day of Unity.

The holiday is observed on April 2 because an agreement on the formation of the Community of Belarus and Russia was inked on this day in 1996, laying the groundwork for the foundation of the Union State.

No commitments breached in placing nuclear weapons in Belarus: Russia

Russian Ambassador to the United Nations Vassily Nebenzia affirmed on Friday that Russia is not violating its non-proliferation commitments by deploying tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus.

On March 25, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Russian tactical nuclear weapons would be placed in Belarus, with the storage sites for weapons expected to be finished by July 1.

Those weapons will not be operated by Belarus, Nebenzia noted, adding that they will remain under Russia's control.

The Russian diplomat reminded the Council that the US has deployed several nuclear weapons throughout Europe.