Russian embassy in Minsk: Russians, Belarusians "most loyal allies"

The Russian embassy in Minsk said in a statement of New Year greetings on Saturday that bilateral ties between Russia and Belarus have reached new highs in light of recent geopolitical events that have increased both countries' commitment to the Union State, a supranational union between the two states.

"The outgoing year has clearly confirmed the readiness and firm intention of the fraternal peoples of Russia and Belarus to stick together, to follow the path of strengthening integration and cooperation based on the common centuries-old history, spiritual closeness, and friendship. The Russians and Belarusians today, as always, are the most loyal allies," the Russian embassy said in its statement.

"Our economic cooperation is improving, industrial collaboration is developing, we are successfully implementing major joint projects in culture, sports and education. We have reached an unparalleled level of integration within the Union State," the embassy said, adding that the strengthening of their ties is a "natural response" to the changing global environment.

Earlier this month, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko that Moscow and Minsk are not only good neighbors but also have developed ally relations, including economic cooperation.

Talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko brought the latter to reaffirm that Russia can do without Belarus, but that Belarus can't do without Russia.

Following talks, Lukashenko stated "Russia will do without us. But we won't do without it. And we agreed here that yes, we will act on equal terms," adding "Are we able to defend our independence and sovereignty alone, without Russia? We are not! And in difficult times he [Putin] did not refuse."