Russian President Vladimir Putin said that he maintains a regular dialogue with his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko; the leaders value their personal relationships. The Russian leader stated this at the solemn ceremony of presenting Lukashenko with the Order of the Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called, which took place in the Kremlin, RIA Novosti reports.
“I sincerely value our good personal relations that we have developed with you over these many years of joint work,” Putin said. The head of state added that Russia and Belarus maintain a constant dialogue, in addition, meetings of presidents are held on a regular basis, telephone calls are arranged calls, pressing bilateral problems and important regional and international issues are being discussed. In turn, Lukashenko thanked the Russian President for awarding the Order of St. Andrew the First-Called and noted that he views the award as “recognition of the merits of the entire Belarusian people, who are consistently strengthening unity with our fraternal Russia.” Previously Lukashenko revealed how the West failed to “strangle” Russia and Belarus.
