The Kremlin commented on the upcoming talks between Putin and Lukashenko

On December 19, Presidents of the Russian Federation and Belarus Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko will discuss a number of issues related to trade and economic cooperation in Minsk. Regional and international issues will also be touched upon. This was announced by the press secretary of the President of the Russian Federation Dmitry Peskov.

“This, of course, is the whole palette of our bilateral relations, trade and economic cooperation, this is an integration problem. And, of course, a conversation on regional and international problems, including those that flourish around our countries in abundance,” the Kremlin spokesman said.

Earlier today in the press service of the Belarusian President reportedthat Putin and Lukashenko will hold talks in Minsk on December 19. During the meeting, the leaders intend to discuss issues of trade and economic cooperation “with an emphasis on import substitution”, cooperation in the energy sector and security issues in the region, the press service specified. Later Putin’s trip to Minsk confirmed and in the press service of the Kremlin.

The previous time the heads of state spoke on December 2 by phone. At that time, the Kremlin press service noted that Putin and Lukashenko discussed topical issues of bilateral cooperation, including the problems of further developing ties in the scientific and educational spheres, and agreed to continue personal contacts.

A face-to-face meeting between Putin and Lukashenko had previously taken place at the EAEU summit, which was held in Bishkek on December 9. The leaders of Armenia, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan also took part in the talks.