Lukashenko: Union State summit scheduled for 26 February

"The date was set for 26 February, in agreement with the Russian president. We discussed this issue; it was the main topic of our latest telephone conversation. Although there has been a lot of conspiracy regarding that conversation. Especially since this issue coincided exactly with the Board of Pease that Donald Trump will convene in Washington, and my invitation to that Board. Therefore, all our negotiations and conversations with President Putin were overshadowed by this issue. Nevertheless, the main, primary issue we discussed was the meeting of the supreme body of our Union State and our further contacts with the Russian president and negotiations on issues concerning Belarus and Russia,” the head of state said.
“In the run-up to the Supreme State Council meeting, we have a whole host of issues that we need to discuss and, hopefully, reach a common understanding on. It seems to me there are no questions where we cannot reconcile our positions and come to a unified decision,” the Belarusian leader remarked.

“We are seriously determined to work with Russia to the extent that Russia is capable of it. You understand more than anyone that in certain matters we have drifted very far apart. Including in the economy. Well, fortunately in politics, diplomacy, life has forced us to be together in the military-industrial complex, in defense. Although I always suggested not to lose sight of this issue. And there were times when the leadership of Russia, the military, thought: 'Well, what about Belarus, we can manage without Belarus.' Time has shown that we have very few friends indeed. We cannot do without each other. Thank God that time has put everything and everyone to their places,” Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized.

Commenting on the agenda for the upcoming Supreme State Council meeting, the president acknowledged having some concerns but noted a positive development: “It's good that you, unlike the previous bureaucrats, have finally proposed seven workable issues. I mean, really, who would sit and discuss 27 questions?

”“Everything is coordinated on our end, Aleksandr Grigoryevich,” Sergey Glazyev responded.

The state secretary noted that the Supreme State Council is being asked to discuss the guidelines to implementing the Union State Treaty for 2024-2026. “About half of all activities prescribed by the guidelines have been completed. I am confident that the remaining half will also be finished," he said. “The main issue that we must now determine together is the development of new guidelines for 2027-2029.”