Russia, Belarus to overcome problems caused by global economic situation - Putin

SOCHI, September 18. /TASS/. Russia's President Vladimir Putin says Russia and Belarus will overcome the problems related to the current global economic situation. "We are aware of the problems related to the economic issues in the world and in our countries," he said during a meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Friday. "We know what happens, we know what should be done." "We do not succeed always, but we shall be going forward, and I do not doubt we shall overcome the problems," Putin added. He said the forum of Russian and Belarusian regions is a good opportunity to discuss bilateral relations. "They develop rather successfully," the Russian president said. "There are always issues requiring special attention," he continued, adding "we manage to achieve the goals we have." The president thanked organisers of the forum of regions, saying that cooperation format has proved to be productive. Belarusian president, in his turn, said the two leaders had discussed problems Moscow and Minsk are facing now. "We really realise what is happening around us," he said. "We also have problems." He pointed to the special importance of cooperation between regions of Russia and Belarus. The trade turnover with some of Russian regions is higher than the trade turnover Belarus has with some countries, he said. Read more