OREANDA-NEWS. February 24, 2009. The most important goal is further strengthening of the regional forces of Belarus and Russia, enhancing the capabilities to protect the Union State, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko said when speaking at the reception to mark the Fatherland Defenders and Armed Forces Day.

The head of state said that there is a need to develop military and military-technical cooperation, with the priority given to the strengthening of the relations with Belarus’ main strategic ally, the Russian Federation.

Alexander Lukashenko said that the Armed Forces should meet the highest requirements so that they could guarantee peace, security and stable development of the country in any military-political and strategic environment. In this respect it increases the responsibility of all heads of the government and military administration bodies, every general and officer for ensuring peace for the creative labour of the Belarusian people. The President emphasized that the Armed Forces, other forces and military units are facing very important tasks.

The Belarusian head of state noted that in early February a new impetus was given to the military cooperation with the Russian Federation, other friendly states. The President stressed that Belarus remains committed to the formation of the Union State with Russia. Therefore, the most important goal is further development of the Belarus-Russia regional forces, enhancing the capabilities to protect the Union State.

Belarus cooperates actively with other CIS member states and Asian and Latin American countries. Belarus advocates close interaction with the EU, OSCE, Nato based on equal rights, and there is progress in this process, Alexander Lukashenko stressed.