Belarusian foreign minister meets with Russian parliament leaders

May 16, BPN. Belarusian Foreign Minister Siarhiej Alejnik has met with Russian parliamentary leaders Valentina Matviyenko and Vyacheslav Volodin in Moscow to discuss bilateral cooperation and integration efforts.

According to the Federation Council’s press office, Alejnik praised the “high dynamics” of contacts and the “open, trusting relationships” between Vladimir Putin and Alaksandr Łukašenka conducive to finding solutions to fundamental issues. He also highlighted the cooperation among regions of the two countries, which resulted in more than 200 visits last year.

Matviyenko called Belarus “the closest ally, a strategic partner,” with which Russia jointly responds to “new challenges and threats.”

Alejnik arrived in Moscow the previous day for a three-day visit. He is expected to meet with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov to discuss integration within the Union State, the Eurasian Economic Union and the Collective Security Treaty Organization.