Lukashenko and Putin held a meeting in Beijing

"I am glad to meet you. We need to discuss some issues within the framework of the Shanghai Organization (the SCO summit was held in Tianjin, China, on August 31 - September 1. - e.g.). I always acknowledge this and emphasize that gratitude to you and the People's Republic of China, we are the only European country in this family. This is very important for us," said the President of Belarus. "We had the opportunity to talk with all the presidents. Even with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. We haven't met for a long time. We exchanged some things, talked. This is also very important."

Alexander Lukashenko also emphasized the special importance of relations with Russia for Belarus: "You understand that no one can replace Russia for us. Therefore, it is very important that we are meeting today."

"Wherever we meet, we will always find something to talk about," said the Russian leader.

The Russian President noted that the volume of trade between the countries already exceeds $50 billion and Russia has comparable cooperation with only a few countries. He even mentioned this fact at a meeting in China with one of his foreign colleagues.

"What do I want to say by this? That our meetings are not in vain," Vladimir Putin emphasized.

"I am very glad to see you. We have just worked within the SCO. Tomorrow we will take part in the Victory Parade, which marked the end of World War II. This is also our common cause, in this case together with our Chinese friends. And there is an opportunity to talk about our bilateral relations," the Russian President added.

"As for the parade, they were here in Moscow. They celebrated our Victory with us (referring to the presence of Chairman Xi Jinping at the parade on May 9 this year in Moscow. - e.g.). Of course, no matter how difficult it was, we had to be here. And thank you for inviting us to this parade. After all, more than three dozen heads of state alone will be at the parade," Alexander Lukashenko said.

The weather in Beijing promises to be a small challenge for everyone, including the high-ranking guests, to which the Head of State drew attention: "It's true, it will be hot, Vladimir Vladimirovich. About 40 or 35 degrees. Even you will feel the heat. I'm already wondering how we will stand in the sun. But they say they will provide (conditions on the stands to ensure temperature comfort. - e.g.)".

In turn, Vladimir Putin said: "And no one can replace Belarus for Russia. We have very close relations."

He also noted that the personal relations between the leaders of the countries are good, but it is important that the results of joint work are evident in terms of economic growth and cooperation development. There are many areas in the field of cooperation, primarily in industry.

Alexander Lukashenko noted that, nevertheless, there are not many problematic issues in bilateral Belarusian-Russian relations: "It's surprising. I reviewed it the day before. We have fewer issues (almost none) than with China. Although China also has... Today we found three problems. I'll tell you later. We are ready to develop in this direction."

"I know that you supported China's initiative on global governance," the Head of the Belarusian state said, addressing Putin.

The Russian leader confirmed in response that this was indeed the case.

"Good. The main thing is equality. As always, justice," Alexander Lukashenko emphasized.

The President of Belarus said that the initiative was also discussed at his meeting in Beijing with member of the Standing Committee of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China Cai Qi: "I have only noted at the end: the main thing is that China does not jump off this initiative, that it remains so. Otherwise, you know, they will grow, become big, and then suffer from globalism."

Alexander Lukashenko shared that in response Cai Qi said: "No, this is our fourth initiative, we will strictly observe it."

The head of the Belarusian state gave a positive assessment of the meeting of the leaders of Russia and the United States that took place earlier in Alaska.

"I congratulate you. Together with Donald Trump, you had a good meeting in Alaska. We applauded you very much. On both sides (no need to say "someone won, someone lost"), the two of you worked very well. I looked at Ukraine - there is nothing to counter. They only shout to the west of us: "Bad, bad!" Well, they are always in a bad way. I think they will also become smarter and join the initiatives that you outlined with the US President," the Head of State said.

Alexander Lukashenko assured his colleague Vladimir Putin of his support for Russia in the fight against modern Nazism.

"We are working together on all fronts. You know. And we will work. When the US President called (referring to the earlier telephone conversation between Alexander Lukashenko and Donald Trump. - e.g.), we discussed this problem. I told him: "We are one country. In principle, Russia is fighting alone. We support and we will support them as much as we can." I am speaking about this publicly," said Alexander Lukashenko.

"This tragedy (referring to the conflict in Ukraine. - e.g.). Time will tell who is right and who is guilty. Many, many of them will also say thank you, especially in Europe, that again in this difficult time we have to stop Nazism, which could develop into fascism. Therefore, Vladimir Vladimirovich, we will fulfill our role and function together until the end," the President of Belarus added.