Vladimir Putin's opening speech:

Good afternoon colleagues, Mr Sidorsky (Sergei Sidorsky, prime minister of the Republic of Belarus), members of the Council of Ministers. Today we will discuss a wide range of issues: there are over 20 items on the agenda. These issues touch on almost all aspects of the Union State and our countries.

We will speak about the 2011 budget for the Union State, our cooperation in the social sphere and important humanitarian and educational projects. This meeting of the Council of Ministers will be immediately followed by a meeting of the Customs Union, which will include our partners from Kazakhstan. 

Together we have reinforced Russian-Belarusian cooperation with this trilateral integration. Not only are we continuing to expand our sphere of activity within the Customs Union, we are gradually forming the foundation for the Common Economic Space of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan. These positive processes should continue regardless of the situation at the moment, which is subject to change. Problems, disputes and misunderstanding are inevitable between neighbours, as they are among family. But the vital interests and aspirations of our brotherly peoples are more important. Both the Belarusian and Russian people are ready for productive cooperation and close dialogue.

Now, regarding the agenda, I would like to start with economic issues. Russia and Belarus are gradually recovering from the global crisis and are on the path toward stable growth. This is the result of our close cooperation from 2008 through 2010, including our joint efforts to mitigate the effects of the global financial downturn. From January through August, trade between the two countries grew by 20% and, as I told Mr Sobyanin, Belarusian exports to Russia increased by 50% rather quickly.

Still, we have many untapped resources. Along with the growth of trade, we should use the potential of our industrial cooperation, spur investment in each other's economies and, of course, support joint high-tech projects, including those funded from the budget of the Union State.

Today we will review the main parameters and policy priorities of the 2011 budget. We have to finish the budget as soon as possible in order to provide regular financing and to realise our joint programmes.

The main goal and purpose of our work is to improve the prosperity and the standard of living of the people of Russia and Belarus, the Union State, and to create new opportunities for our people. Today we will examine how the Union State's social development policy is being implemented.

And, finally, I would like to touch on another important issue: the release of the movie The Brest Fortress, which is the first joint film venture of the Union State. The movie reminds our peoples of the fortitude and bravery of the Soviet soldiers, of the deeds that came to symbolise the unity of our nations. The movie will be released on November 4, Unity Day. We must resolve all organisational and technical issues, so that as many people as possible, especially young people, can see the movie in Russia, Belarus and other countries.

Thank you for your attention.