Lukashenko: in the development of the CIS we need to move further, creating a common gas market and unified rules for the oil market
In the development of the Union State of Belarus and Russia, we need to move forward, creating a common gas market, establishing unified rules for the oil market, ensuring fair prices for processors, and equal conditions for economic entities of both countries. This was stated by the President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko in an interview with the Russian magazine "Razvedchik," as reported by a BELTA correspondent.
An important topic of the interview was the development of the Union State. The President was asked to assess the results achieved recently and the prospects for the future.
"Looking back at the path we have traveled, I can confidently say: the choice in favor of the union with Russia is dictated by life itself. This choice saved our countries from economic catastrophe and loss of sovereignty," emphasized Alexander Lukashenko. Especially sharply, according to him, this was manifested after the 1998 crisis when enterprises were shutting down, prices were rising, and people were losing their savings. It became clear then - either the countries find a solution together, or each will survive alone. "And we found this path - through real economic integration, the creation of joint productions, and a coordinated social policy," the President stated.
Of course, not everything worked out immediately; at times it seemed that compromise was impossible, but it was always clear: the price of the issue is not in short-term benefits, but in the historical fate of the peoples.
"We have gone through many trials: financial crises, global economic upheavals, fierce sanctions from the West. Together we have withstood a serious test of strength. We endured because we created a unique format of integration that has no analogs in the world," the head of state noted. "At the same time, each country retains its sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and state structure. Strong sovereign states make a strong union. That is the formula for the success of any integration."
"Yes, the resources of Belarus and Russia are different. But this is the strength of the Union State. We do not duplicate each other, but organically complement, fill gaps, and multiply advantages," he added.
Russia has been and remains the main trade and economic partner of Belarus. By the end of 2024, Belarus entered the top four countries in the world in terms of trade turnover with Russia and continues to lead among the CIS countries. The trade turnover between the countries has increased sevenfold, reaching nearly $60 billion last year, including services.
Increased attention is being paid to import substitution projects. For example, a BELAZ quarry dump truck with a carrying capacity of 90 tons has appeared, equipped with a Russian engine from the Yaroslavl Motor Plant with a power of 1050 hp (previously, only imported engines were used in this class).
However, Alexander Lukashenko considers the significant improvement in the quality of life of citizens of Belarus and Russia to be the main achievement of the Union State. They enjoy equal rights in the Union State regarding employment, social security, medical services, education, and pension issues. Preferential tariffs for mobile communication have been introduced, electoral rights have been expanded, and the number of flights between regions has increased.
The basis for the further development of the allied relations between the two countries is the deepening of regional integration, the President noted. In this aspect, he mentioned the annual Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia.
"Cooperation in the scientific and technical sphere has undergone a serious evolution from supporting individual industries to creating fundamentally new directions. This progress is especially evident in the space sector. Just imagine: eight joint programs, the first Belarusian female cosmonaut in orbit, an active joint Earth remote sensing satellite, and a new device with a record resolution of 35 cm, where the filling is ours, and the platform is Russian," the head of state continued.
Active work is underway to create a unified digital space, develop artificial intelligence, and implement smart technologies. "The Belarusian Nuclear Power Plant has become a true technological breakthrough and a symbol of the friendship of fraternal peoples," emphasized Alexander Lukashenko. "This is our response to political pressure and a platform for developing our own competencies in the peaceful use of atomic energy."
"However, without building united energy resource markets, it is difficult to expect effective progress. The signed agreement on a common electricity market is just the beginning. We need to move further: create a common gas market, establish unified rules for the oil market, ensure fair prices for processors, and equal conditions for economic entities of both countries," the Belarusian leader is convinced. "This is the essence of our Union State - not just to help each other, but to create common rules of the game that lead to the formation of a full-fledged unified economic space while preserving the political sovereignty of each country. 25 years ago, we laid the foundation for this. Today we are building a building, and tomorrow we will erect an entire city based on the technological sovereignty of our economies. There will definitely be a place for new joint projects, breakthrough technologies, and new discoveries."
Alexander Lukashenko noted that he and Russian President Vladimir Putin often say: the union of Belarus and Russia has stood the test of time. "But today I will say more - it has been tested by life itself. And as long as we remain faithful to common ideals, as long as we build a common future together, no one can break us. In this lies the enduring strength of the Union State, the guarantee of our invincibility," declared the Belarusian leader.