Putin Hosts Lukashenko at Novo-Ogaryovo on Eve of CSTO Summit
Novo-Ogaryovo, The Gulf Observer: Russian President Vladimir Putin met with his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko at his Novo-Ogaryovo residence in the Moscow Region on Tuesday, on the eve of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) summit.
The Putin Lukashenko meeting came after the Belarusian leader arrived in Russia earlier on Tuesday on a working visit. The CSTO Collective Security Council is scheduled to convene tomorrow, with both presidents expected to attend.
Informal Setting for Close Allies
The Russian president frequently uses his Novo-Ogaryovo residence to hold informal meetings with foreign leaders. Putin and Lukashenko are known to share a close personal friendship, which is why the two presidents often meet in informal settings and remain in regular contact by telephone.
Such meetings allow the two leaders to exchange views candidly ahead of major multilateral gatherings, and to coordinate positions on matters of shared interest between Moscow and Minsk.
Putin Lukashenko Meeting Follows Earlier Talks on Union State
This is not the first time Lukashenko has been received at Novo-Ogaryovo. During his previous trip to Russia, the Belarusian president also visited the residence, where the two leaders discussed key issues on the Union State agenda, as well as economic matters, investment and developments in international relations.
The Union State framework underpins the close political, economic and security integration between Russia and Belarus, and regular consultations at the highest level have become a defining feature of the relationship between the two countries.
Focus Shifts to CSTO Collective Security Council
The latest meeting sets the stage for the CSTO Collective Security Council session, where member states are expected to review regional security issues and cooperation within the organisation. Russia and Belarus are both founding members of the CSTO, and their presidents’ talks on the eve of the summit underline the importance both countries attach to coordinated action within the bloc.
