Belarus will always remain a strategic partner for Russia

March 16, Brest / Olga Belyavskaya - BELTA /. Belarus has always been, is, and will be a strategic partner for Russia. This was stated by Chairman of the Government of Russia Vladimir Putin today at a meeting of the Council of Ministers of the Union State, BELTA correspondent reports. "Belarus has always been, is, and will be not just our strategic, but also a special partner," the Russian Prime Minister emphasized. "We are linked by so many interests that they cannot be listed." Vladimir Putin stated that trade turnover between Belarus and Russia significantly decreased in 2009, but in the last months of the year and at the beginning of the current one, a significant increase was observed. Thus, in January-February, trade turnover between Belarus and Russia increased by 17%, and Belarusian exports to Russia increased by 40%. "The leading growth of Belarusian exports is obvious, this is a good sign of economic recovery," believes the head of the Russian government. In his opinion, holding the meeting of the Union Council of Ministers in Brest is symbolic on the eve of the upcoming celebration of the 65th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War. "Brest is precisely the place where the war began for our fathers. Brest is associated with the heroism of the Soviet people, it is one of the brightest examples of devotion to the Fatherland, self-sacrifice, and heroism," said Vladimir Putin. -0-