OREANDA-NEWS. May 7, 2009. President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko believes it is necessary to attain full transparency in relations between Belarus and Russia. The President made the relevant statement as he met with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Belarus Alexander Surikov on May 6.

The head of state remarked he is opening a new page in relations with foreign diplomats. Alexander Lukashenko told the Russian ambassador: “You are not one of the foreigners. You are one of our people. Nevertheless, you represent the closest nation to us, Russia, this is why I decided to open this page by a meeting with you”.

Alexander Lukashenko suggested that he and Alexander Surikov should continue the talks in a one-on-one format. “I am sure that as the ambassador you will report all facts to the Russian Federation leadership so that there would be more understanding about these or those matters between Minsk and Moscow,” said the President. “I would like our sincere and warm conversation to make a good start of the tradition of communication with ambassadors of foreign nations,” stressed the head of state.

In turn, the Ambassador of Russia said Alexander Lukashenko’s decision is right and timely, especially in view of the global economic crisis.

In 2008 Belarus-Russia trade reached a record high of almost USD 34.2 billion. Belarus’ merchandise export to Russia exceeded USD 10 billion, 19.2% up on 2007.