Phone call
Putin and Lukashenko spoke by phone about bilateral cooperation and the potential for deeper ties in science and education, according to the Kremlin’s official release. The discussion touched on the Eurasian Economic Union and preparations for an upcoming summit held in Kyrgyzstan, as reported by BelTA.
The agenda included the international landscape, coordinated actions, and key bilateral goals such as import substitution and the rollout of allied programs. The leaders stressed their strong commitment to humanitarian collaboration, highlighting science as a shared area of interest. They also agreed to organize the Congress of Young Scientists of Belarus and Russia, which will operate within the Belarusian and Russian Academy of Sciences framework over the coming year.
The event is being planned to align with the preparations for a broader meeting between the Russian President and scientists in Sirius, with BelTA noting that the Congress will benefit from the Belarusian experience in large-scale national initiatives like 100 Ideas for Belarus. Journalists from BelTA added that the leaders would convene again in December to discuss practical and economic issues tied to union construction and to outline a schedule for further contact.
According to information on the project’s site, 100 Ideas for Belarus targets young, creative, and talented people aged 14 to 35. The platform supports and promotes ambitious youth projects and new discoveries, serving as a launching pad for innovative initiatives.
The project was launched in 2011 through the Belarusian Youth Union of the Republic, with the collaboration of the State Committee of Science and Technology and the support of the Ministry of Education. Participants submit applications on the project’s site and progress through several rounds, with winners receiving diplomas, figurines, prize money, and grants.
Putin and Lukashenko talks
On November 28, Lukashenko announced plans to address bureaucratic obstacles hindering bilateral cooperation at the next meeting with the Russian president. He voiced confidence that the two nations can resolve economic problems together and reduce administrative hurdles that affect their partnership. He also confirmed an upcoming meeting with the Russian head of state and mentioned that related discussions would occur during Lukashenko’s forthcoming discussions with the Primorsky District Governor, Oleg Kozhemyako.
Lukashenko emphasized that removing minor obstacles from the agenda is crucial for advancing import substitution and overall cooperation, marking it as a top priority at the moment. The latest publicly disclosed encounter between the two leaders occurred at the CSTO summit in Yerevan, with a separate one-on-one meeting not being reported at that time.
Their official dialogue took place in Sochi at the end of May, featuring a face-to-face exchange. In later remarks, Putin highlighted conversations about regional dynamics and economic matters with his Belarusian counterpart. The two presidents also discussed joint efforts within the framework of building the Union State, including plans in the chemistry, food, and fertilizer sectors.
Since August, Lukashenko has repeatedly signaled a desire to meet Putin again. As of late October, there was no confirmed date or venue for the next heads-of-state meeting, according to the Russian presidential press secretary. The situation remains open while both sides pursue arrangements for their continued dialogue.