Lukashenko: Cooperation with Russia's Kalmykia is gaining ground

Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko has met with Head of the Republic of Kalmykia of Russia Batu Khasikov, BelTA has learned. Welcoming the guest, the Belarusian head of state noted that it was great pleasure for him to see the head of the Russian region at the Palace of Independence: “We appreciate that you come to Belarus and learn more about our country. It is very important for us.” Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized that despite the distance, Belarus and Kalmykia have common history and values. “Our ancestors jointly defended the legacy of the October Revolution, won a Great Victory in the fight against fascism, rebuilt the country from scratch showing extraordinarily hard work and dedication.

We were raised to create, not to break,” the Belarusian leader said. “This unites us, makes us stronger in the face of all kinds of challenges,” he added. According to the president, contacts with Kalmykia are gaining momentum.

An additional impetus to this was given by the exchange of visits in September 2022, by meetings and negotiations. “Yet, I am sure that a real economic breakthrough is still ahead,” the Belarusian leader said. “Using sports terminology, I would say that our current trade is not even the first attempt, but actually a warm-up before this first attempt.” “We have a lot of products that might be of interest to your region — mechanical engineering products, construction products, IT, pharmaceuticals and high-tech transport,” the Belarusian leader continued.

“In today's conditions, we can offer a good product in terms of price/quality ratio. Our products have long been popular in many regions of Russia. I am sure that people from your region are also well familiar with them,” Aleksandr Lukashenko noted.