PRESIDENT OF RUSSIA DMITRY MEDVEDEV: Dear Alexander Grigoryevich, I am pleased that we are meeting as planned. We agreed that in the summer we will continue to discuss Russian-Belarusian relations and agreed to meet in Sochi.

In general things are developing very well. With regards to economic cooperation, we are once again witnessing good figures, even a record. At the end of the year our financial analysts suggest that the volume of trade will reach 30 billion dollars. This is a good impressive result, reflecting the very strong, friendly, strategic relations that bind our countries. There are a wide variety of projects in which we are both engaged. There are topics to discuss in the economy, social sphere and, of course, I propose to discuss several international issues, particularly those related to regional problems.

I cannot fail to mention the aggression committed by Georgia against South Ossetia and its international implications. In all likelihood, we need to think about how we can further develop cooperation including within the framework of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO).

I welcome you and am glad to see you.

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