CCTV News:Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Lukashenko said in their meeting in Sochi, Russia on the 14th that Russia will fulfill all the commitments made in all agreements with Belarus. In addition, Russia will provide Belarus with a loan of $1.5 billion.
According to Russian media reports, Putin congratulated Lukashenko on winning the presidential election in Belarus. He said that Russia supports the Belarusian people to solve problems and reach a consensus through dialogue in a calm atmosphere without being affected by external pressure. Putin said that Russia still abides by all agreements between the two sides, including all agreements under the framework of the Russia-Belarus Union Treaty and the Collective Security Treaty Organization. The two countries should strengthen cooperation in the field of national defense.
Putin said that Russia will provide Belarus with a loan of $1.5 billion, and the finance ministers of the two countries have begun to deal with this matter. The COVID-19 epidemic has affected Russian-Belarusian and even global trade. Both sides should take measures to restore the trade volume to the pre-epidemic level and create conditions for future development.
Lukashenko said that economy is the root of all problems, and Belarus will cooperate closely with Russia in economic and other fields. According to the news released by the Belarusian Presidential Information Bureau, Lukashenko said during the meeting that Russia and Belarus should continue to strengthen cooperation in the military and economic fields. Regarding the recent protests in Belarus, Lukashenko said that it is important for protesters not to "cross the red line". This is Lukashenko’s first state visit after the presidential election in Belarus.