OREANDA-NEWS. November 01, 2012. Development of the Belarus-Russia relations, including within the framework of the Union State, cooperation of the two countries in integration associations were on the agenda of the meeting between President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

During the meeting the parties also discussed urgent issues on the international agenda.

“It is nice to see you. It is very good that we meet at this point. There are issues we need to discuss. Given that you are a friend of Belarus, I expect a frank and positive conversation,” the Belarusian head of state said.

On the whole, the year 2012 is characterized by the expansion of the Belarusian-Russian ties. Increase in bilateral trade is a testimony to the dynamic development of mutual relations. In January-August 2012 the Belarus-Russia trade went up 17.3% over the same period in 2011 to reach almost USD 30 billion.