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Prime Minister Vladimir Putin meets with Belarusian Prime Minister Mikhail Myasnikovich

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Transcript of the beginning of the meeting:

Vladimir Putin: Mr Myasnikovich, I'm very glad to see you again.

We met not long ago, in July, at a business forum (the business conference, “From Customs Union to Common Economic Space: Business Interests”) between three countries. I am very pleased that we have the opportunity today to speak with each other in two formats: bilaterally, and in the broader setting of our integration projects. In general, the situation is not bad. We saw an increase in trade in 2010, and from January to June of this year, there was a further increase of over 40%. Trade reached $17.6 billion in the first half of this year, which means it is set to exceed the 2008 pre-crisis level if we maintain this growth over the next few months. This is a good sign, and it means what we are doing, our integration policies, are producing good results. At the same time, some issues require more attention and a closer look. We will deal with them today.

Mikhail Myasnikovich: Thank you Mr Putin. Indeed we need to consider two groups of issues concerning the agreements we reached earlier. There have been some results in the meantime, but it would be beneficial to infuse some forward momentum into the process. As for the Council of Ministers of the Union State, it is encouraging that its agenda is forward-oriented and focused on programmes in science and technology cooperation, as well as other joint projects. This speaks to the great prospects that are before us. I agree with what you just said regarding growing trade, and I also believe that our bilateral relations have indeed reached a new level, where we are embarking on joint projects that could evolve into joint corporations.

Vladimir Putin: We have 16 issues concerning the Council of Ministers of the Union State. They have all been considered by experts, and we can now focus on the most promising and lucrative projects, which mainly involve science and technology and high-tech cooperation. This is very good. Let's discuss it in greater detail.