Lukashenko sees great cooperation opportunities with Russia's Novosibirsk Oblast

“Siberia is not like any other region for us, as many Belarusians relocated there during the Catherinian era and Stolypin's reforms. Our compatriots found home in this land, they glorified it, they put their heart and soul into making it more prosperous and beautiful. That's why we are closely following the developments in your region,” the president said at the beginning of the meeting. He also noted that Belarus followed the recent regional elections in Russia with great interest, and congratulated Andrei Travnikov on his convincing victory.

The head of state expressed confidence that the visit of the Novosibirsk Oblast governor to Belarus will open up a new chapter in relations between the Belarusian and Russian regions. “When you get to know our country better, you will see that cooperation opportunities are enormous,” said the Belarusian leader.

The president drew attention to the existing preconditions for further growth: “Last year our trade approached half a billion dollars. The figure looks impressive, and we need to figure out why we have lost momentum this year. Our specialists explain to me that the contraction has been primarily caused by reduction in your supplies of rapeseed, electric motors, coal, and other items. I propose to find a way to balance our trade. There are plenty of directions and opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation.