This December 10, within meeting of Russia – Belarus Union State’s Supreme State Council, a meeting was held between Belarusian and Russian Presidents, during which a number of agreements were reached, including Russia’s promise to support Belarusian economy. The meeting was a significant event in the history of Russia – Belarus Union State, celebrating the tenth anniversary of initiation of its development. The Council sitting and talks between Presidents took place in a positive atmosphere, and at a press conference both countries’ representatives expressed close opinions.

Ria Novosti, December 10

http://www.rian.ru/politics/20091210/198510996.html

http://www.rian.ru/politics/20091210/198523756.html

Lately situation in the Russia – Belarus relationship has seemingly become shaky, i.e., the two countries’ representatives met in a positive atmosphere, even disregarding the recent disagreement between Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, when Russia’s leader asked his Belarusian colleague not to criticize the activities of Russian Government and Premier.

It is obvious that the positive atmosphere can be partly explained by creation of the image of Russia and Belarus as close allies to support the Union State project as such. From time to time, the Union State project and Belarus – Russia relationship undergo shock, for example, because of Russia’s wish to raise the energy prices, or because of Belarus’ reserved attitude towards recognition of independence of Abkhazia and South Osetia, which was probably one of the topics discussed by the Presidents.

Basically, few changes have taken place in the two countries’ relationship with Belarus more actively manoeuvring between Russia and EU, but in the nearest future Russia will nevertheless remain its main partner.