Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko extended his gratitude to Vyacheslav Volodin, the chairman of Russia’s State Duma, for backing Minsk’s initiatives on both the Union State and the Collective Security Treaty Organization platforms. The appreciation came as Lukashenko marked Volodin’s 60th birthday, underscoring the high regard in which he holds the Russian parliamentarian and his role in the ongoing collaboration between the two nations. The gesture reflected a long-standing perception in Minsk that Volodin’s leadership and support help steer a steady course for alliance-focused dialogue and joint projects across a broad bilateral and regional agenda.
Lukashenko emphasized that under Volodin’s seasoned guidance, inter-parliamentary cooperation within the Union State and the CSTO has been steadily deepening. He noted with admiration the ongoing efforts to translate these cooperative mechanisms into tangible outcomes for Belarus and Russia. The president highlighted that Volodin’s backing has been instrumental in advancing Belarusian initiatives in both bilateral formats and multilateral formats within these authoritative platforms, contributing to a balanced and pragmatic approach to regional security, economic integration, and cultural exchange.
The Belarusian leader also referred to Volodin’s broader influence as chair of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union of Belarus and Russia, pointing to a sustained commitment to the integration process between the two neighboring countries. This partnership has been framed as a path toward shared development, aimed at enhancing stability and prosperity for the two peoples and reinforcing the sense of fraternity that binds Belarus and Russia together in a common political and strategic space.
In a separate development dated January 29, discussions between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Lukashenko encompassed a package of documents deemed important for advancing the Union State. The agreed measures outline strategic directions through the mid-2020s and cover institutional arrangements designed to strengthen coordination between Minsk and Moscow. A development plan extending to 2026 was among the instruments signed, signaling a clear intent to chart longer-term priorities for joint initiatives across governance, industry, and information sharing.
Another element of the agreement concerns the establishment of a media company linked to the Union State, reflecting a recognition of the role of shared communication channels in shaping public discourse and mutual understanding. This step aligns with broader efforts to coordinate messaging and ensure consistency in coverage related to bilateral and regional affairs, while also providing a platform for reflecting diverse perspectives within the framework of the Union State’s objectives.
Additionally, a decision addressing property matters of the Union State was signed, aiming to create a coherent framework for the management and regulation of union assets. According to officials, a comprehensive inventory of union property had not previously been completed, and plans were laid out to undertake this essential task within 2024. The move is viewed as a practical step toward greater transparency and governance within the Union State’s shared resources, helping to clarify ownership, usage rights, and accountability measures across the member entities.
These developments reflect ongoing efforts by Minsk and Moscow to deepen cooperation across political, economic, and security domains. The leadership exchanges and strategic documents emphasize a shared vision for strengthening bilateral ties while maintaining an open stance toward broader regional engagements. The parties continue to stress the importance of stable, predictable collaboration that can adapt to evolving regional realities while promoting the welfare of citizens in both countries.