Belarus' principled position hailed as example for many Russians

"Belarus is a fraternal country for us and for me personally," Batu Khasikov said. “Today we visited Victory Square, laid a wreath and flowers at the memorial, paid tribute to the memory of those who, as you emphasize, died for the independence of our common great Motherland, defeating fascism. To date, we see that new sprouts are trying to raise their heads. And again, we stand united, and together, as a single fist, will defeat this scourge. There's no doubt about that. Thank you so much for your principled position and demonstration of the spirit that you and your team radiate. For many of my colleagues and for many Russians, this is really an example."

"Our relations have received a new impetus. I'm glad we have a lot to build on. We have a history of relations. It is as a foundation for further development," the head of Kalmykia added.

During the meeting, Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed that, despite the distance separating Belarus and Kalmykia, the peoples have always been close in spirit, united by the common history and upbringing. “Our ancestors together defended the achievements of the October Revolution, won the Great Victory in the fight against fascism, restored the ruined country, performing feats of labor. We have been brought up to build peacefully, not to destroy. It unites us and makes us stronger in the face of all kinds of difficulties,” the Belarusian leader said.

As for contacts with Kalmykia, they are becoming more active, the president said. The exchange of visits of delegations in September 2022, meetings and negotiations gave additional impetus to this. “I am sure however that the real economic breakthrough is ahead of us,” the head of state said.

A delegation of Kalmykia is on a visit to Belarus on 19-21 March. Apart from the meeting with the Belarusian head of state, the Russian delegation is expected to hold talks with the Belarusian prime minister and the agriculture and food minister. The Kalmykian delegation is set to visit Minsk Automobile Plant and Minsk Tractor Plant, the Chinese-Belarusian industrial park Great Stone and the Belarusian State Museum of the History of the Great Patriotic War. A meeting of the joint working group on cooperation between Belarus and Kalmykia is also on the agenda.

The Kalmykian delegation visited Belarus a month ago. During the February visit, the Russian delegation held a number of meetings and negotiations in Minsk aimed at expanding mutually beneficial cooperation and increasing trade between the parties.