MINSK, February 11. /TASS/. Losing Belarus would be mortally dangerous for Russia, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said Thursday.

He underscored that the republic will continue to reinforce its security sector in accordance with new threats and challenges, stating that the Belarusian military doctrine is defensive-only and that the country is able to defend itself using much less resources.

"I also confirm it with aid of our Russia, because to lose Belarus would be mortally dangerous for Russia," Lukashenko said at the Nationwide Belarusian People’s Assembly Thursday.

"I expect Belarus to remain an absolute priority for Russia, as well. I am certain that Russia will honestly understand our aspiration to cooperate with other countries as well," the President said. "Meanwhile, Russia has been and will be our main economic partner and strategic ally."

Earlier Thursday, Lukashenko claimed that the unity of Russia and Belarus is a precondition for a peaceful and stable future of the region.