Russia-Belarus economic partnership developing at good pace - Putin

NOVO-OGARYOVO. Nov 10 (Interfax) - The volume of trade between Russia and Belarus is remarkable, and the overall economic partnership between Moscow and Minsk is developing at a good pace, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"Our governments are working on a daily basis, and my colleagues from the government say that progress is being made across all areas, and at a good pace," he said at a meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Tuesday.

"The volume of our trade is truly remarkable, there's no other way to put it," Putin added.

The Russian president said he is pleased with the pace of high-tech development in both Russia and Belarus. "Issues related to investment and high technologies are being addressed, which pleases me very much. In other words, we are at the forefront of accomplishing all objectives that are considered priorities not only in our own countries but globally," Putin said.

"We will continue to move forward toward this end," he said.

For his part, Lukashenko also confirmed an increase in bilateral trade.

"As for trade, it is indeed growing largely this year, by about 20%," he said.

Lukashenko pointed to the frequent meetings and contacts he has had with Putin, describing the relationship between the two presidents as "good" and "close."

"As we approach the New Year, there are almost no differences, unlike in the past. This speaks to a positive dynamic," he said.