Russia, Belarus pledge closer cooperation

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Source: CCTV.com | 12-15-2007 08:10

Russia's President Vladimir Putin (L) talks with his Belarussian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko during a meeting in Minsk December 14, 2007. (BelTa/Reuters)

The leaders of Russia and Belarus have pledged closer cooperation on military, economic and foreign policy.

In talks with his Belarussian counterpart, Alexander Lukashenko, Vladimir Putin said he was sure bilateral trade this year would exceed 24 billion US dollars -- its highest ever.

Putin's visit coincided with a meeting of the Supreme State Council of the Russia-Belarus Union State. The two countries agreed to forge a union state after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

But relations have suffered in recent years due to disputes over oil and gas prices.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei