A.Lukashenko and V.Putin come up with new initiatives to deepen integration between Belarus and Russia

More than 80 agreements and contracts worth more than half a billion dollars. These are the preliminary results of the 6th Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia. Some strategic statements by the Presidents were voiced on the sidelines of the Forum. Aleksandr Lukashenko and Vladimir Putin have developed new initiatives to deepen integration between the countries. The Belarusian President suggested removing all technical issues and contradictions in bilateral relations and enmarking upon a new development program before the year-end. Aleksandr Lukashenko's position was that delays the decisions are unacceptable as the people are tired of uncertainty. The importance of agreements within the Forum was also emphasized by the Russian partners. Some long-term initiatives were voiced, including a high-speed railway connection between Minsk, Moscow and St. Petersburg. The next forum will be held in a year in Belarus. Investment cooperation was suggested as its central theme.