Transcript of the beginning of the meeting:
Dmitry Medvedev: Mr Myasnikovich, I would like to warmly welcome you to Moscow. Today we have an opportunity to discuss the Russian-Belarusian agenda, which is very extensive, as usual, while focusing on trade and economic cooperation of course.
As usual, there is one impressive figure that I'd like to mention: this year’s trade turnover with Belarus will probably reach $40 billion. This is an impressive result for Russia and for Belarus as well, largely achieved thanks to the Customs Union. We have just discussed this with our colleagues.
We are continuing along the path of Eurasian integration – this is another thing to discuss. And we will certainly cover all key issues of bilateral relations, some of them simple and others more complex. Then we will hold a meeting of the Union Government. So I am entirely at your disposal. Once again, welcome to Moscow!
Mikhail Myasnikovich: Thank you Mr Medvedev. Indeed we are building stable relations, which are gradually gaining momentum – I am referring to trade and economic contacts as well as regional cooperation. This year alone, we received 11 delegations from Russian regions that have trade and economic agreements with Belarus. These contacts are initiated locally – they come up with specific projects and ideas. I also share your view on the Customs Union: since it was established, Russian and Belarusian companies have become more active in setting up joint ventures and subsidiaries of Russian companies. The total number of such companies is 2,117 – I have requested the statistics…
Dmitry Medvedev: 2,117 joint ventures, yes?
Mikhail Myasnikovich: Joint ventures or local branches of Russian companies. They account for 36% of all companies with foreign capital in Belarus. Russian banks are active in Belarus. This is encouraging news, because it means we are moving in the right direction. And I am confident that if there are any problems or restrictions of any kind, they can be resolved through bilateral contacts, or through the Council of Ministers of the Union State. In fact today we will…
Dmitry Medvedev: This is exactly the idea of our meetings. A solution can be found to every problem. Let's begin discussing these issues. Thank you.
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Following the bilateral meeting between the Russian and Belarusian Prime Ministers, the talks were continued in an expanded format.