MINSK, April 2. /TASS/. Moscow and Minsk’ best response to unfriendly steps of certain states should be to foster Russian-Belarusian ties, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a message of greetings on Saturday.
Russia’s Ambassador to Belarus Boris Gryzlov read out Putin’s message at a gala ceremony celebrating Day of Unity between the Peoples of Russia and Belarus at Belarus’ Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theater in Minsk.
"Moscow and Minsk have recently been facing unprecedented external pressure. I am convinced that the best response to the unfriendly actions of a number of states should be comprehensive strengthening of Russian-Belarusian ties and a boost for mutually beneficial integration processes and bilateral cooperation in all the areas," says the message released by the Russian embassy’s press service.
The Russian leader emphasized that the coordination of bilateral efforts in the international arena, the consolidation of defense capabilities, and the coordinated policy of import substitution in the industrial, agricultural and other sectors of the economy are of paramount importance.
"Certainly, the main task is to ensure the well-being and secure life for the citizens of Russia and Belarus," the message reads.
Putin assured that together the two countries would be able "to overcome any difficulties and obstacles".