BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

07/21/2005 -- 17:46(GMT+7)

Russia, Belarus boost bilateral ties

Moscow (VNA) - Russian President Vladimir Putin and his visiting Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko have discussed the development of Russia-Belarus Union State, prospects for bilateral cooperation, coordination of action within the framework of the Commonwealth of Independence States (SNG), the Eurasian Economic Community, and the Collective Security Treaty Organisation.

Speaking at a recent meeting with Lukashenko, held at the Zavidovo residence in Russia's Tver region, Putin said relations between the two countries have developed successfully and energetically in all areas, particularly in economics and politics. In 2004, two-way trade reached 18 billion USD. Although the development of a union state is a priority, there remain some outstanding technical issues that need to be resolved, he added.

Alexander Lukashenko said that the two nations' growing economies have created new and more challenging problems, and Russia and Belarus need to look for new ways of bilateral cooperation.

This is the sixth meeting between Putin and Lukashenko this year.

Source:

http://www.vnagency.com.vn/NewsA.asp?LANGUAGE_ID=2&CATEGORY_ID=34&NEWS_ID=159914

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