Updated at 17:53,27-03-2024

Lukashenko, Patrushev discuss cooperation in security, defense sector


Lukashenko, Patrushev discuss cooperation in security, defense sector
Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko met with Secretary of the Security Council of Russia Nikolai Patrushev on 29 June, BelTA informs.

“We always have what to talk about, especially in this complicated time. I have been keeping an eye on your statements, addresses. They are absolutely in sync with my opinion and the opinions of our specialists. Therefore, we really have what to talk about, I am very happy that you are in the know, that you are deeply involved in this issue,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

The head of state added that he would like to discuss some private issues confidentially with Nikolai Patrushev. “But I would like you to know about them because for sure we will have to work together, will have to counteract certain phenomena,” the president explained.

During the meeting Aleksandr Lukashenko invited Nikolai Patrushev to discuss not only cooperation in security but also in the defense sector and military industry. “We need to know more clearly how we will cooperation in certain fields,” he added. “And I think that we will share the information on major issues which are important for both Belarus and Russia and for Belarus and Russia separately. Especially against the backdrop of the recent resonant events and facts which are being discussed in mass media.”

Nikolai Patrushev, in turn, noted that he is happy to be in Minsk and to see positive changes. “Every time I come to Belarus I am happy to see what is going on here,” he said.

On 29 June, the security councils of Belarus and Russia will hold planned consultations to discuss regional and international security, the problems of hybrid wars, the situation around Belarus and Russia. “Everything depends not only on what is going on in the countries but also on the impact of external forces. Traditional challenges and threats still exist. For example, international terrorism and related extremism. There are new threats, and we need to talk about them. One of them is cybersecurity. Unfortunately, many people do not understand that no country can cope with this threats singlehandedly. It is essential to join efforts,” the secretary of Russia's Security Council stressed.