Belarus and Russia were and will be together, no one can break their unity. President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko stated this on November 17 at a meeting with the Governor of the Rostov Region of Russia, Yuri Sluysar, BelTA correspondent reports.

The head of state emphasized the importance of preserving and developing the relationship between the two countries, especially in the current difficult conditions. "The external pressure is colossal. I am not naming the addresses, passwords, or places. You know this well. Therefore, we must preserve what is ours. Belarus and Russia were and will be together. No one can break our unity, no matter how much someone might want it. The people, the nations will not allow it. We must endure this, we must preserve it. This is the main thing," said the Belarusian leader.

The basis of such cooperation includes many factors, including cultural and historical commonality, interpersonal contacts, but above all, according to the President, it should be the economy. It plays the most important role; it is the main thing that should unite the two states. "And not to go around with 'Rossotrudnichestvo' and agitate for Russia. There is no need. Belarusians do not need to be agitated for Russia. We need to economically link our states and peoples," stated Alexander Lukashenko.

As an example of effective solutions that promote cooperation, the President cited the increase in the number of flights of the highly popular "Lastochka" trains on the route between Moscow and Minsk. "These crazy people closed the border to the West. Well, fine. Ours went to St. Petersburg, to Moscow... People from Minsk went to Kazan (including to support Dinamo Minsk at a hockey match against Ak Bars on November 16 in Kazan. - BELTA's note) - to their homeland. No one is holding them back. Airplanes, helicopters, trains, bus routes - they are in high demand. And Russians are interested in Belarus," the head of state said. For example, Russians are in first place among visitors to tourist sites in Belarus. Belarusian hotels are also in high demand, as are medical services.

Alexander Lukashenko said that during his conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the topic of interregional cooperation is regularly raised, and there is "full support" from the Russian leader.

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