MINSK, 5 June (BelTA) - The Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation can help promote relations of Belarus with Russian regions, President of Belarus said as he met with chairwoman of the Federation Council Valentina Matviyenko. “There was time when the situation with our union (Belarus-Russia Union State – note by BelTA) was very precarious. Cooperation with regions saved our relationship,” the head of state said. In this connection Alexander Lukashenko noted that the Federation Council is, in fact, a chamber of territorial representation, which unites Russian regions in that body. “We would very much like you to get involved in the process of promoting cooperation of Belarus with the regions. You could help maintain the framework for our relations. We are ready to cooperate with you at any level, including at my level. Because the idea of cooperation between Russian regions and Belarus was forwarded by me. I will fully cooperate with you, if you agree to this initiative The head of state also noted that he discussed this topic in a meting with the leadership of Russia. “In fact, this is welcomed. And if you took control, as someone who is familiar already with the subject, you would help greatly in bringing our state together,” the Belarusian leader stressed. Alexander Lukashenko also welcomed the signing of the agreement on cooperation between the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus and the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of Russia: “I absolutely endorse this agreement. We need it.” “I should say that the Federation Council has always supported us. We do appreciate your support in the international arena, when you, even being ahead of Belarus, made everything possible to protect us from this pressure. You know the sources and the reasons for such treatment from the West,” the head of state added. Alexander Lukashenko also emphasized Valentina Matviyenko’s role in the development of the Belarusian-Russian relations, including at a time when she was Governor of St Petersburg. In turn Valentina Matviyenko noted that the visit of the delegation of the Federation Council followed the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Belarus. “The fact that the President of Russia paid his first visit to Belarus tells a lot. Belarus has been and will remain Russia’s strategic partner, an ally and a brotherly nation,” the Speaker of the Federation Council said. In her words, the role of the parliaments in the development of the Belarusian-Russian relations is huge. In particular, it lies in securing legal framework for cooperation and integration of the states, harmonization of the legislations, creation of favorable conditions for business collaboration. “We need to deepen cooperation, economic interaction,” Valentina Matviyenko said.

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