MINSK, October 26. /TASS/. The process of strengthening the defense capabilities of the Russia-Belarus Union State is not restricted by any "concrete boundaries," as Minsk and Moscow continue to respond in a timely manner to the growing challenges and threats in the region, Dmitry Mezentsev, state secretary of the Union State, told reporters.

"The improvement of the work of the defense agencies [of Belarus and Russia], which is already underway, cannot be marked by any concrete boundaries. Today, given the changing and complicated situation in the Eastern European region, the growing challenges and threats that we see <...> there are factors that must be taken into account. And which are taken into account and to which the Union State responds appropriately," he said in Minsk at the plenary session of a high-level conference on Eurasian security.

Mezentsev pointed out that "ensuring the defense capability of the Union State is one of the priorities." "[Serving as] confirmation of this is the adoption of new Union State programs aimed at improving the infrastructure of the current grouping of forces and equipment on the territory of Belarus, as well as in the upgrading of logistics," the official said.

"It is important to note that the program for improving border security, which has been in effect since this year, confirms the existing practice and interaction of border agencies," he pointed out, recalling that in November 2021, at a meeting of the Supreme State Council of the Union State, the sides approved the conceptual framework for migration policy. Mezentsev stressed that "this most important document was adopted long before the events" for which the West "is reproaching" Moscow and Minsk.

"The appropriate response to the growing pressure that we see in relation to Belarus and Russia is a calm response, strengthening defense capabilities. This is the policy pursued by Russia and Belarus in accordance with the decisions of the presidents of our countries," the state secretary emphasized.