Russia and Belarus plan closer co-operation on defense issues, the presidents of the two countries announced in Moscow on Thursday.
“There are important things that simply need to be strengthened, including the security and defense of our United States,” Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“And we will draw lines that no one should cross,” Lukashenko said.
Putin had warned Russian rivals not to cross the red line in his annual speech on the situation in the country on Wednesday, April 21.
“I hope no one will think of crossing the red line with Russia,” Putin said, adding that Russia would decide where the line was in each case.
Lukashenko also threatened to “react appropriately”, but did not mention details.
The two Allies agreed to work more closely together in a number of areas through the United States Treaty.
Putin and Lukashenko have repeatedly called for deeper cooperation. “There is still a lot to do, but a lot has been done,” Putin said. Mr Lukashenko acknowledged the need for further agreements.
In Belarus, protests against the falsification of the presidential election and Lukashenko began after the August 9 presidential election. Russia promised to help Belarus with security forces should the situation worsen, and the two presidents met several times.-
– .
