Statement by Viktor Khrenin, Minister of Defence of the Republic of Belarus, at the Joint Board Session of defence ministries of the Republic of Belarus and the Russian Federation

Esteemed Andrei Removich!

Esteemed members of the Joint Board and attendees!

I am delighted to welcome all the attendees here and to thank the host country for the traditional welcome and warm reception extended to the Belarusian delegation on hospitable Russian soil.

Strategic nature of relations between our countries is being successfully implemented in the political, economic, scientific, cultural, and other spheres. However, military cooperation, within the framework of the common defence space, has a special place in this line.

At the moment, the military and political situation in Europe is of conflict nature caused by clash of interests of the global centres of power.

The Collective West is striving to preserve a unipolar world order based on the rules.

The countries of Europe have headed for accelerated militarisation. They have taken unprecedented measures to boost military spending. They build up composition of forces and means along the border of the Union State. And increase their nuclear capabilities. Arsenals of tactical nuclear weapons are being modernised. A new, pan-European nuclear component is emerging, which is independent from the United States and NATO.

Under these conditions, joint development of new effective models of interstate relations, coordination of foreign policy and strengthening of the defence capabilities of the Union State's military organisation are the main factor in ensuring the security of the member states.

Over the years of our bilateral cooperation, significant results have been achieved. We can be sure of an exemplary level of interdepartmental cooperation.

I would like to emphasise that there is a common position with Russian colleagues on the assessment of challenges and threats.

We are improving joint military systems, which are tested at joint operational and combat training events.

This year, we successfully conducted the Zapad 2025 joint strategic exercise of the armed forces of the Republic of Belarus and the Russian Federation, during which we demonstrated the high level of readiness of the military command bodies of the Republic of Belarus and the Russian Federation for joint actions.

I can't help but mention the cooperation in the military-technical field. Russia is our main supplier of military products.

Cooperation in the field of military training is successfully under way. Currently, more than 400 specialists in various specialisations are being trained in Russia in the interests of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus.

There are, of course, few other areas of military cooperation in which we have achieved significant results, which over the years has made it possible to consider the interaction of our defence agencies dynamic.

The Joint Board plays an important role in this, as a permanent advisory body that enables us to effectively consider issues of Belarus-Russia cooperation in the military sphere.

I am confident that today's constructive discussion of the issues to be considered will contribute to improving the current arrangements for ensuring the security of the Union State.

I wish all participants a successful meeting.

Thank you!