Posted:
30.07.2024 09:05:42
Aleksandr Lukashenko and Vladimir Putin had a lengthy conversation in a closed format on the Island of Valaam
The President of Belarus, Aleksandr Lukashenko, has paid a working visit to the Russian Federation
The heads of Belarus and Russia have previously visited the Island of Valaam together on two occasions. Last year — also in July — they visited the Valaam Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Saviour located on the island. For the first time, Aleksandr Lukashenko and Vladimir Putin visited Valaam together in July 2019.
The Belarusian plane number one landed at St. Petersburg airport, where the Head of State was welcomed by the governor of Russia’s northern capital, Alexander Beglov. They had a substantive conversation on a number of issues right at the ramp, after which Aleksandr Lukashenko went by helicopter to the Island of Valaam on Lake Ladoga in Karelia.
This location is renowned not only for its unique natural beauty, but first of all for being one of the main spiritual Orthodox centres of Russia, where the Valaam Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Saviour is located.
The Valaam Monastery on Lake Ladoga in Karelia is a place where a special grace reigns. Here, among the Orthodox shrines and the breathtaking beauty of nature, one can draw strength and find solace for the soul. It is here that monks pray day and night for peace, which we all need so much today.
After their meeting on Valaam, the presidents visited the Church of the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God on the territory of the Smolensk skete, and then went to the Chapel of Holy Royal Passion-Bearers.
That is how the presidents’ informal communication began, free from ties and business suits.
Hieromonk David, the head of the Smolensk skete and the precentor of the Brethren Choir of the Valaam Monastery, welcomed the two leaders and noted, “We are glad that visiting our holy monastery has already become a good tradition for you.”
After that, the presidents continued their communication in a closed format. The heads of Belarus and Russia also spent the following day on Valaam.
The discussions centred on the international and regional agenda, as well as Belarusian-Russian co-operation. The leaders of the two countries engaged in extensive and detailed conversations.
However, only a few minutes of video footage capturing informal communication between the presidents have been released to the media. From the brief video fragments, it appears they also talked about climate changes and the weather, which was unusually warm this time even in Russia’s north (although not the extreme). The leaders of the two countries also spoke about the beauty of the local nature. “It is beautiful! You were right to say [to the monks] that they live in paradise,” Vladimir Putin addressed his Belarusian counterpart.
However, this is only what was captured on camera. The face-to-face discussions were held in a closed format. Nonetheless, the topics addressed were undoubtedly the most relevant. It is possible that the presidents will soon share some details with the public, but for now we dare to assume that the situation in Ukraine was among the subjects of their conversation.
* * *
President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko held a telephone conversation with his Uzbek counterpart Shavkat Mirziyoyev
The Head of State congratulated his Uzbek counterpart on his birthday. Aleksandr Lukashenko and Shavkat Mirziyoyev discussed the implementation of the agreements reached during the Belarusian leader’s visit to Tashkent in February 2024. It was noted that effective work is currently underway in several areas.In January – May, mutual trade reached nearly $245 million, while the growth rate stood at 105.3 percent compared to the same period last year. The two countries continue to co-operate, and have started implementing a number of new joint projects.
Based on materials of sb.by and belta.by
