Russian and Belarusian leaders discuss joint aircraft production

Presidents of Russia and Belarus Vladimir Putin and Aleksander Lukashenko held talks during which they discussed the development of economic cooperation between the countries. They focused on the growth of bilateral trade turnover and new industrial projects. This is reported by the press services of the leaders.

Putin thanked Lukashenko for his visit to Volgograd on the eve of the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. He expressed hope for the Belarusian leader's participation in the celebrations on 9 May. Lukashenko confirmed that the parade formation of Belarus will march through Red Square.

It is noted that the trade turnover between Russia and Belarus has exceeded US$50 billion. According to the Russian side, the figure reached US$50.5 billion, Belarusian statistics show US$51 billion. "The result is really outstanding," Vladimir Putin noted.

The parties also considered joint projects in aircraft construction, including the production of small and medium-haul aircraft.

They discussed measures to remove the remaining barriers to trade, including standardisation and customs regulation. Aleksander Lukashenko emphasised that economic integration between the countries should be even deeper than within a single state.

The governments of the two countries have been instructed to speed up the implementation of joint programmes, especially in high-tech industries. The next summit meeting is scheduled for the summer of 2025.