Native Siberia, new points of contact with Cuba, and the center of Eurasia in the center of Europe. The President's Week in Review

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermúdez and Belarusian President ALEXANDER LUKASHENKO before their meeting at the Independence Palace. Alexander Lukashenko at the expanded meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council. Alexander Lukashenko at the plenary session of the Eurasian Economic Forum, "Strategy for Eurasian Economic Integration: Results and Prospects." Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermúdez and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko before their meeting at the Independence Palace. Alexander Lukashenko at the expanded meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council. Alexander Lukashenko at the plenary session of the Eurasian Economic Forum, "Strategy for Eurasian Economic Integration: Results and Prospects." Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermúdez and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko before their meeting at the Independence Palace.

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The President of Belarus 's work schedule is always quite eventful. Alexander Lukashenko holds meetings and working sessions on the most pressing issues of national development, regularly visits the regions, makes foreign visits and receives foreign guests himself, speaks with journalists, and signs decrees and laws. Even when there are no public events, this doesn't mean the HEAD of state is idle. However, even during downtime, be it hockey practice or chopping wood, Alexander Lukashenko occasionally finds an excuse to deliver another order. As he likes to say, one must live by life in everything. The "President's Week" project is for those who want to keep up with the head of state and stay informed about the most relevant statements and decisions of the Belarusian leader.

The main event of the past week—and not just on the President's agenda—was the meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council and the associated IV Eurasian Economic Forum. Representative delegations from several dozen countries, including the EAEU, CIS, Asian, and African states, participated in and attended the events, which were organized as part of Belarus's presidency of the EAEU
. The Cuban President took advantage of the opportunity to make an official visit to Belarus . During talks with Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, the Belarusian head of state expressed confidence that the warm and allied nature of the dialogue between the countries will continue for years to come, and that new generations of Belarusians and Cubans will support it and enrich it with new meaning. 
As part of the EAEU summit, Alexander Lukashenko also met in MINSK with the Chairman of the State Administrative Council and Prime Minister of Myanmar, Min Aung Hlaing, and the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Executive Council, Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. With the Myanmar leader, the head of state assessed the implementation of the agreements reached, and with the distinguished guest from the UAE, he discussed steps to strengthen trade, economic, and investment cooperation. 
Many noted the way the head of state received the distinguished guests. After the forum, they continued their conversation, but in an informal manner. Cymbals, bread and SALT, liqueurs, and the best Belarusian dairy and MEAT products —we wouldn't be surprised if someone asked for seconds or packed a takeaway. Incidentally, during the summit, you may have noticed that the President of Belarus was featured prominently. The fact is that another important event on the Belarusian-Russian agenda occurred during these same days: the 12th Forum of Regions of Belarus and RUSSIA. This time, it was held in Nizhny Novgorod. Alexander Lukashenko, as usual, addressed the forum's participants and guests, emphasizing that unity brings strength, truth, and a guide for building a common future. 
Regional cooperation was also discussed at the Palace of Independence. At the very beginning of the week, Alexander Lukashenko met with Ilya Seredyuk, Governor of the Kemerovo Region and Kuzbass Region of Russia. The head of state noted that Siberia is not something foreign to Belarusians, but something native, close, and understandable. 
During the week, Alexander Lukashenko also sent a number of congratulatory messages (, , , ) and signed several significant decrees. Specifically, the head of state established uniform tariffs for real estate state registration services and announced a grant to Chinese companies involved in the construction of the National Football Stadium and an international-standard swimming pool. 
Alexander Lukashenko also addressed the prosecutor's office and Belarusian youth on their professional holiday, wishing them to face the world with boldness and confidence and to embrace the energy of creativity and new ideas over the beaten path. 
We'll discuss all of this in more detail later.
NATIVE AND NEAR SIBERIA: What Unites Belarus and Kuzbass.
On June 23, Alexander Lukashenko met with Ilya Seredyuk, Governor of the Kemerovo Region – Kuzbass Region of Russia. At the beginning of the meeting, the head of state immediately emphasized that Siberia is a native, close, and familiar region for Belarus. "If you think Siberia is foreign to us, you're mistaken. It's familiar, close, and understandable to us. This is also because there aren't many, but a few thousand Belarusians living there today. And I don't think they're causing you any major problems. That's why Siberia isn't far away, and Kuzbass, as the pearl of Siberia, is certainly close to us," the President noted. Ilya Seredyuk knows this firsthand. According to the governor, his great-uncle died near the village of Filipovichi in the Minsk region in 1942. During his visit, Ilya Seredyuk visited the village (an obelisk dedicated to soldiers and partisans is located there) and honored the memory of his grandfather and all the Soviet soldiers who gave their lives for the Motherland. The head of state recounted his visit to the Kemerovo region in the late 1990s, when Kuzbass was then governed by Governor Aman Tuleyev. "We discussed our problems in our relationship quite frankly. We were very friendly, and our views coincided on many fronts. But we discussed the issue of the relatively high cost of our equipment that we supplied there. He told me frankly, 'It's a bit expensive. I know why.' There were tons of intermediaries. I said, 'There's a very simple way to solve this.' 'How?' 'Let's agree, Aman, this way: I'll bring the equipment here at Belarusian prices, and then you sell it to whomever you deem necessary and take the markup from trade, and so on. But then there will be no complaints against me.' I clearly remember my meeting with that governor and my proposal," the President shared.
Alexander Lukashenko admitted that the mediation issue may not have been fully resolved. "There were and are intermediaries, but they shouldn't be dishonest. You know where their money goes. They charge significant markups. If necessary, we, for our part, strictly control prices . Moreover, all the large companies that trade with Kuzbass are state-owned. They are managed and understand the goals of our relations. We can take control of this if you can do the same for yourself," the head of state added. The president noted that Belarusian equipment is widely used in the Kemerovo Region. However, trade turnover has recently begun to decline. For example, in 2024Last year, Belarus and the Kemerovo Region achieved $225 million in trade. By comparison, in 2022, trade exceeded $614 million.
"I think we can have a stable trade turnover of half a billion. And we shouldn't deviate from that. I understand the difficulties and challenges that everyone is talking about these days (only the lazy don't): in Russia, there are the rates, and everything else. You know, you can always point to something, but if we set ourselves the goal of surpassing all of this, of mitigating it, we can do it. If we set a goal of at least half a billion dollars in trade turnover with Kuzbass," said Alexander Lukashenko. BELAZ dump trucks are in particular demand in the Kemerovo Region. In a sense, Kuzbass even serves as a kind of testing ground for Belarusian equipment: the most advanced models are sent to this region. Belarus is ready to expand the supply of passenger, agricultural, and municipal equipment.
"But there's a problem we need to solve together. These are the multi-brand centers that have been created in Kuzbass. They represent all types of equipment: MAZ, MTZ, Belkommunmash, and agricultural trailers. We are ready to expand our cooperation through you with the region where Kuzbass is located. It's essentially half of Siberia—densely populated Siberia. Let's think together about how to utilize this center to increase its capacity. We are ready for this," the Belarusian leader emphasized.

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The head of state also noted that Belarus is prepared to offer certain preferences to its partners, such as leasing equipment. "The only thing we need in this regard is guarantees. Guarantees are fair. So that we deliver on lease and receive payment. Because we lost tens of millions of dollars in Russia when we collaborated without guarantees with unknown companies. They fell apart, left, and then the prosecutors general of Russia and Belarus (thanks to the Russian prosecutor's office) searched all over Russia for these people to hold them accountable. This is unjust. Therefore, we need guarantees," the President stated.
Alexander Lukashenko also touched on the supply of agricultural products. Belarus has always supplied these goods to the Kemerovo Region in varying quantities.
"If this suits you, we are ready to collaborate with you in seed production, livestock breeding, and other areas, including potato farming (we have an entire institute, and we do a good job developing seeds and new varieties of all crops). Overall, the range of our relations is vast. If we can offer your region any assistance, we are always ready to do so," the head of state concluded.
The governor of the Kemerovo Region, in turn, proposed that Belarus jointly develop and manufacture equipment to replace imported equivalents. He cited snowcats—specialized tracked machines for grooming ski slopes and trails—as an example of such new products. Kuzbass is actively developing ski tourism, and such machines are very relevant for this industry. They are currently being imported. Although technologically unsophisticated, they are essentially a special type of tractor.
"Our two countries have sufficient expertise to master the equipment we are currently importing from other regions," Ilya Seredyuk asserted.
Mutual Interest in Strengthening Relations. What Belarus and Cuba Are Preparing for

Ahead of the Eurasian Summit, Alexander Lukashenko held talks in Minsk with Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez. He arrived in the Belarusian capital to participate in a meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council and successfully combined business with pleasure. A significant delegation accompanied the Cuban leader. The Belarusian side was also represented by industry ministers and heads of several agencies and organizations. Alexander Lukashenko noted that his previous meeting with the Cuban President took place in Moscow on May 9. This took place during celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory. At that time, the parties agreed to continue contacts. This is Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez's second official visit to Belarus. On global turbulence
, "We will discuss with you the most important topics of Belarusian-Cuban cooperation and the international agenda. Of course, we must not forget that one of the goals of your visit is to participate in the Eurasian Economic Forum and the meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council. Today, the world is moving forward. And while old international structures are stalling, new ones do not yet have the resources to resolve crises, much less prevent them. We must work together on this," the President of Belarus emphasized.
The head of state noted that the Belarusian and Cuban peoples have strong friendly ties, reinforced by excellent relations at the leadership level of the two countries. "In my esteemed colleague Miguel Díaz-Canel, we have found a true friend of the Belarusian people. And I am confident that the warm and allied nature of the interstate dialogue will continue for many years to come, and that new generations of Belarusians and Cubans will support it and infuse it with relevant content," Alexander Lukashenko stated.
On negative factors and the search for effective solutions
, the President called constructive cooperation between Belarus and Cuba on the international stage a good tradition. He stated that the parties share each other's approaches to the most important issues on the contemporary agenda and provide unconditional mutual support. "We unanimously and consistently oppose unilateral restrictive measures in international politics and trade. Illegal measures against our states are not only not abating, but are actually intensifying. This is especially true for financial settlement mechanisms. However, negative external factors only encourage us to jointly seek effective solutions," the Belarusian leader emphasized. 
On promising areas for growth
: During the talks, it was noted that the work of the Belarusian-Cuban commission on trade and economic cooperation has reached a regular annual schedule. This demonstrates a mutual interest in strengthening relations.

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"Considering the complementarity of the Belarusian and Cuban economies, our specialists have identified a number of promising growth areas in trade and economic cooperation. These include areas of strategic importance to Havana: ensuring food security, industrial modernization, developing the construction industry, transport infrastructure, energy and mining, and expanding access to high-quality medicines," the head of state said. The Belarusian side also sees good prospects for expanding the capacity of joint production of agricultural machinery, trailers, and attachments.
"We are ready to supply new equipment, including through leasing. We can establish exports of engines, spare parts, as well as machine tools and equipment, to benefit Cuban repair companies. In addition to industrial cooperation, we could supply Belarusian raw materials and share our experience and technologies for the joint production of dairy and meat products," Alexander Lukashenko noted.
According to the President, the scheme for supplying Belarusian products to Cuba through EXPORT loans from the Development Bank of Belarus has confirmed its relevance and importance. Currently, this includes powdered MILK and agricultural machinery, but the Belarusian side is interested in consistently expanding this list. "I am confident that following today's meeting, we will develop effective solutions and will implement them effectively. Minsk and Havana have everything they need to move forward: political will, mutual understanding, full support at the head-of-state level. And, perhaps most importantly, a long road of cooperation," the Belarusian leader stated. "I assure you that I have not forgotten my promise to visit Cuba. I will try to find such an opportunity in the future and come to your sunny, in every sense, warm country. And even very hot." Alexander Lukashenko added that Belarus is ready to continue open and honest dialogue and to take joint steps that will contribute to ensuring socioeconomic stability in both countries and improving the well-being of citizens. "You should know that you've come to see your friends. Even more than friends. And if we can do anything for the Cuban people, for Cuba, we will certainly do it," the head of state emphasized.
Regarding the emphasis on the economy
, the Cuban President thanked the Belarusian leader for the invitation to visit Minsk.and participate in the Eurasian Economic Forum and the EAEU summit, and conveyed warm greetings and best wishes from Raúl Castro. He also took the opportunity to congratulate Alexander Lukashenko on his victory in the presidential election. "This demonstrated the high authority and widespread support for your work," he said, addressing the Belarusian head of state. Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez emphasized the Belarusian President's personal contribution to the development of bilateral relations and his personal involvement in finding joint solutions for the benefit of both countries. "Our bilateral relations have deep historical roots of friendship and cooperation, based on mutual respect and mutual benefit. These are relations between fraternal peoples and governments," the Cuban President said. "Cuba has the political will to give them impetus in all areas, especially in trade and economic matters."
He noted that cooperation in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals has particular potential. Forty-six Belarusian pharmaceuticals are registered in Cuba, and the possibility of organizing joint production of oncological and immunological drugs in the Vitebsk region is being considered.

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"We strive to ensure that Belarusian companies play a greater role in implementing Cuba's national plan for socioeconomic development through 2030," assured Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez.
On commitment to strengthening peace and security.
During a conversation with media representatives following the talks, Alexander Lukashenko first expressed gratitude to the Cuban President for finding the opportunity to visit Belarus and personally participate in the meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council, which will be held in the coming days.
"Miguel and I discussed a wide range of issues on the bilateral agenda and outlined further steps to implement the most promising areas of cooperation. We paid attention to the complex geopolitical situation. We reaffirmed the commitment of Belarus and Cuba to global policy and the further construction of a just and multipolar world," the Belarusian leader said. Both sides are convinced that this is the only way to ensure the free and independent development of all countries and peoples, their true equality, and the protection of national interests.
"Belarus has experienced firsthand the illegal restrictive measures imposed by certain unfriendly states. And it resolutely declares the unacceptability of the economic, trade, and financial blockade imposed by the United States against the Island of Freedom, which causes irreparable harm to the Cuban people," Alexander Lukashenko emphasized. The head of state noted that Cuba has remained a reliable ally of Belarus in the Western Hemisphere for many decades.
"Our relations are based on mutual respect and equality, and comprehensive support on issues of key importance to both countries, including within international organizations," the President noted.
On a simple and clear formula from the President of Cuba
: "To maximize the potential of bilateral cooperation, we need to elevate our trade and economic ties to the highest level of political contacts. And we will do this," said the Belarusian leader. "The President of Cuba just proposed a simple, clear formula. He says, 'Enough with importing what we can produce, including producing together. Let's create joint ventures in Belarus and Cuba. Acceptable! We must implement this normal model in the near future.'"
Belarus offers Cuba not only the export of goods and services, but also active participation in developing all mutually beneficial areas and directions based on a comprehensive and strategic partnership.
"We are ready to introduce modern scientific achievements and technologies into the Cuban economy to successfully implement joint projects designed to achieve long-term economic and, most importantly (this is important for both Cuba and us), social impact. We are already implementing similar projects in Cuba in the industrial, pharmaceutical, agricultural, and food sectors. An assembly line for tractors, attachments, and trailers has been established," Alexander Lukashenko said, citing several examples.
According to the head of state, a joint venture production line for Belarusian products intended for sale on the Cuban domestic market and in the Caribbean is expected to open soon.
Several projects for the production of dairy products using Belarusian technologies and raw materials are also being developed. "We would like these high-quality, healthy products to become accessible to both Cubans and residents of neighboring regions," the President said. Alexander Lukashenko is confident that developing cooperation in these areas will contribute to increased food security and improved well-being for citizens of Belarus and Cuba. "We will certainly fulfill all the plans and agreements we have reached," the Belarusian leader assured.
Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, in turn, told reporters: "Belarus and its people are a people and a country that Cuba and the Cuban people admire."
He noted the sensitivity, understanding, and willingness to assist on the part of Belarus and the country's leadership personally, as well as to work together with Cuba in the context of the difficult situation his country is experiencing.
Cuba's seriousness was also demonstrated by the President's busy schedule during his visit to Belarus. Following high-level talks, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez visited enterprises in the mechanical engineering and pharmaceutical industries, and in the following days, he participated in the Eurasian Economic Forum and a meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council.
TRADITIONAL CLOCK COMPARISON. What Lukashenko and Putin discussed.
Ahead of the EAEU summit, a meeting between the presidents of Belarus and Russia took place. 
During their lengthy conversation, Alexander Lukashenko and Vladimir Putin discussed a wide range of topics. In particular, the upcoming Eurasian Economic Union summit, as well as the Belarusian-Russian union agenda, included the continued implementation of joint projects and programs.
The presidents also thoroughly discussed regional issues and the international situation, including the situation in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Alexander Lukashenko and Vladimir Putin agreed to discuss all current issues in further detail at their meeting in Minsk in the near future.
No separate bilateral meeting between the two leaders on the sidelines of the summit was announced, but the presidents certainly had the opportunity to converse privately, and they seized it.
EAEU REBOOT - VERSION 2.0. How Minsk passed the test for hosting large-scale events and how Lukashenko envisions the future of the "five."
Major international events within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) were the central event of this week's Presidential schedule. This year, Belarus, as the country holding the EAEU Presidency, was scheduled to host the EAEU Leaders' Summit and the accompanying large-scale forum. Preparations for the events were meticulous and led by the head of state. While organizing summits is nothing new for the country, a forum of this caliber was the first real test for the Minsk International Exhibition Center BELEXPO, recently opened with the President's participation.

With over 2,700 participants from 33 countries, the impressive list of participants kicked off on June 26. The packed two-day business program, consisting of six major thematic blocks comprising 35 events, began early in the morning. In the afternoon, the forum participants were joined by national leaders.
As the leader of the host country, Alexander Lukashenko welcomed distinguished guests—the presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Cuba, the Prime Minister of Myanmar, and the special representative of the co-presidents of Nicaragua. The head of state, along with other leaders, took part in the plenary session "Strategy for Eurasian Economic Integration: Results and Prospects."

In his speech, the President emphasized that the time had come to relaunch the EAEU, building on its foundations. Without ignoring existing problems, EAEU allies must seek solutions and, in doing so, remember that the main goal is... The union has everything it needs for this, above all, the unique legacy of another, former union—the Soviet Union. This is... 
Other leaders, speaking at the forum's plenary session, emphasized the benefits of Eurasian integration, but also discussed the current challenges facing the EAEU and the search for joint, effective responses. For example, Russian President Vladimir Putin noted the need for digitalization and the use of digital technologies, while Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov emphasized the need for digitalization and the use of digital technologies, without which, in his view, modern economic development is impossible.
Following the plenary session, Alexander Lukashenko and the heads of the foreign delegations toured the exhibition at the MIEC's open-air exhibition area, where they were treated to a display of agricultural, passenger, municipal, fire-fighting, military, cargo, special-purpose vehicles, and passenger cars, all Belarusian-made. A hard-to-miss exhibit was also on display: the world's largest dump truck, the BELAZ-75710, with a payload capacity of 450 tons. The heads of the delegations couldn't help but take a commemorative photo with it. They then proceeded to an informal dinner, where they were received with traditional Belarusian hospitality and flair (to the sound of cymbals in interiors decorated with daisies and cornflowers) and treated to traditional Belarusian products, renowned far beyond the country's borders and sought after even by heads of state thanks to their excellent quality. While foreign leaders delighted in tasting bread, lard, cheeses , various meat delicacies, and even Belarusian balsam, the President of Kazakhstan remarked that he was receiving Belarusian products from Alexander Lukashenko and could confirm that they were all of excellent quality. To this, the President of Belarus replied that he would also send black bread, as Kazakhstan primarily grows wheat and bakes light bread, while genuine rye bread, especially baked according to an original recipe, is rare. "Excellent bread," agreed Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The following day, June 27, the leaders again focused on the present and future of the Eurasian Economic Union, but this time in a more practical context—focusing on specific decisions and documents.

A meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council, chaired by Alexander Lukashenko, was held at the Palace of Independence—the first this year (the next one is scheduled for December in St. Petersburg ). All leaders of the five countries attended, except for Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who did not come to Minsk. Also invited were leaders and senior officials of observer countries (the leaders of Uzbekistan and Cuba attended in person; the President of Iran, unable to attend due to obvious circumstances, sent a video message) and EAEU partner states (the UAE and Mongolia, which were also present at the summit). Initially, the heads of state heard information in a narrow format on the development of the EAEU goods identification system, and then continued their discussions in an expanded format on all issues on the agenda. It included 14 items concerning international activities, strategic directions for the development of Eurasian economic integration, the liberalization of services in the EAEU, economic cooperation in sports, and the development of trade and economic cooperation with the EAEU's main partners.
The opportunity to discuss even the most complex issues openly and, most importantly, in a friendly, calm atmosphere exists in the modern world, and Belarus carefully preserves this opportunity, Alexander Lukashenko emphasized during the summit.
The President expressed confidence that the EAEU is capable of becoming the core of a competitive and successful space and called on the five countries to focus on the most pressing issues for unification, such as the functioning of the domestic market, the development of industrial potential, and food security.
The EAEU leaders also addressed the absence of the Iranian President from the summit and recent events in that country and the region in general. During the forum, Vladimir Putin expressed hope that... Alexander Lukashenko noted at the summit that the recent strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities under IAEA supervision most dangerously violate the provisions of international law, including the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and the 1949 Geneva Conventions.
In turn, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, in his video address to the participants of the expanded meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council, thanked the EAEU countries for their support of Iran and expressed hope that, thanks to its observer status, Iran will participate more broadly and effectively in economic cooperation with the EAEU.