Visit by President Alexander Lukashenko to St. Petersburg (press release by press service of the President)

On May 30, President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko arrived in St. Petersburg at the invitation of President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin to attend the celebrations of the 300th anniversary of St. Petersburg.

The two-day visit by the Belarusian leader began with informal conversations with his colleagues – presidents of the CIS countries. At the meeting held on board the ocean liner “Silver Whisper” on the Neva, the eleven presidents exchanged views on the interaction in economic field within CIS in the context of preparing for the upcoming summit in Yalta. The CIS leaders took a stand in favour of adoption at the Yalta summit in September of the final decision in relation to the establishment of a free trade zone (FTZ). However, it should be pointed out that the position of Alexander Lukashenko in this issue remains unchanged: over 60 various treaties and agreements have already been concluded in the CIS and many of them have not as yet passed through the required domestic procedures. As of today, there have been created organizational and legal conditions for establishment of the FTZ and now, the existing agreements should start being implemented in practice, believes the Belarusian leader.

The Presidents decided to extend for 10 years the 1992 Agreement on the issues related to restoration of the rights of the deported persons, national minorities and peoples.

They also reviewed the results of presidential and parliamentary election in the Republic of Armenia and took a decision on sending observers from CIS to the election of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Upon completion of the informal meeting, a short conversation was held between President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko and President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin.

After being photographed together, the CIS Heads of State attended the working lunch hosted in their honour by President of the Russian Federation.

Together with his colleagues, Alexander Lukashenko attended the events envisaged in the programme of the visit. On the first day, the presidents enjoyed the gala concert at the State Academic Mariinsky Theatre. After the official celebrations the leaders of the CIS countries continued their talks in an informal atmosphere.