Lukashenko Sends Greetings to Participants of the Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia

"Dear participants and guests of the XIII Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia!

I warmly welcome you to the hospitable Belarusian land.

I am glad to see in this hall all those who have found the opportunity to meet in order to discuss key areas of our cooperation, exchange experiences, and outline new joint projects.

This year, the forum is being hosted by Minsk and the Minsk Region. This is the heart of Belarus, where the country's industrial, scientific, and cultural potential is concentrated. They generate about half of the national GDP.

It is here that key industrial and agricultural enterprises are located, whose products are known throughout the world and are in high demand, including in the market of the Russian Federation. Among them are BELAZ, MAZ, MTZ, Integral, Planar, the Dzerzhinsky agro-combine, and many others.

The theme of the thirteenth forum, dedicated to the economic interaction of regions as a factor of sustainable development, is highly relevant.

I have emphasized more than once that the most important thing for us is the economy. The well-being of citizens, the security and sovereignty of our countries depend on the level of its development and the strengthening of industrial and agricultural potential.

It is the regions that form the material foundation that makes the Union State viable and resilient to external challenges.

And under conditions of sanctions pressure, we have adapted to new logistics routes, built settlement mechanisms independent of the jurisdictions of unfriendly countries, and maintained the pace of industrial growth.

Together we are creating new industries, exchanging innovations, developing tourism, and supporting youth.

Every such initiative is not just economic statistics; it is the living fabric of fraternal relations, which grows stronger with each passing year.

It is especially gratifying that the trade turnover between our countries demonstrates steady growth. The qualitative content of such cooperation is no less important.

Today we are confidently moving from simple trade to the creation of full-fledged production clusters, knowledge-intensive industries, and joint projects.

But behind any economic achievements there is always the diligent work of specific people.

I extend my words of gratitude to the heads of the regions of Belarus and the heads of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation. It is you who turn strategic agreements into real deeds and accomplishments.

You are the chief architects of real cooperation. The strength and durability of the ties between our countries depend on your initiative, personal involvement, and readiness to move forward together.

Belarus and Russia are allies in spirit. We are united not only by economic ties, but also by a common culture, spiritual and moral values, historical memory, and loyalty to the feat of the generation of victors.

We are creating for the sake of the future of the peoples of Belarus and Russia. And we are glad to see here all people of good will who are ready for honest partnership and open dialogue.

Dear friends!

I am confident that the thirteenth forum of regions will traditionally be held at the highest level. It will become a new growth point for our fraternal countries and peoples.

Therefore, I wish all participants good health, peace, and fruitful work.

Dear Russian brothers!

We live in a difficult and unpredictable time. We did not choose it. This time chose us. Therefore, the tasks that lie ahead of us must be solved. And we will do it!"

— reads the address.