«It is a pleasure to welcome you to Belarus. This is not just about our warm, brotherly relations, but also about the foundation of everything — the economy. Moscow Oblast is our leading partner, ranking first. Trade [with Belarus] is somewhere over $15 billion. Honestly, I hadn’t paid close attention to this before. But when I looked into it more deeply, I thought to myself: if Moscow Oblast alone accounts for $15 billion, then for all the rest of Russia, only a very small portion remains,» the head of state said.

«We value this very much, Aleksandr Grigoryevich [Lukashenko],» Andrei Vorobyov noted.
Aleksandr Lukashenko continued: «I value it too. But I know it is not easy for you. Still, a $15 billion trade is nothing compared to the gross regional product you generate for Russia.»

The head of state assured that Belarus is ready to further develop cooperation in any areas of high demand: «If there is anything we can help with, just let us know. We will certainly work together and do everything we can. I care deeply about your region. When I meet with President Putin, we speak a lot about Moscow Oblast. Knowing your work in detail now, I have even greater respect for the effort you and your colleagues put into developing the Moscow region.»

Regarding Belarus’ capabilities, the president emphasized that the Moscow Oblast governor is well acquainted with them, and that Russian Ambassador Boris Gryzlov could offer additional guidance if needed. «We are all on the same team here. What else is there to say? It’s a complex situation. We need to find a way forward — both in terms of security and, especially, the economy. This is an immense burden for governors. Though I know a governor’s work well. Is there any place where you don’t face a heavy workload? There is plenty of it everywhere,» the Belarusian leader said.

«So if there is anything we can help you with, please don’t hesitate to let us know,» Aleksandr Lukashenko added.

In this regard, he noted that sometimes Russian officials hold a baffling attitude: «Well, you know how it is with the Belarusians... They are a small country, so why should we ask them for anything?’ But there is nothing wrong with that. It is not about the size of the nation, it is about its capabilities. If we can help with something, we will help. I always say this publicly and I am not going to hide it,» the president stressed.

Aleksandr Lukashenko also asked Andrei Vorobyov to extend his best wishes to everyone working alongside the governor.