The Russian delegation to Belarus included Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin, and Energy Minister Sergei Shmatko.
The agenda of the negotiations comprised Russian gas prices and a new loan to Belarus.
The Russia-Belarus Union State is a supranational entity consisting of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus. It was formed in 1996 "with the intention of providing greater political, economic, and social integration."
That's why Vladimir Putin said that Russia "is ready to consider the issue of broadening cooperation and supporting the Belarusian financial system", RIA Novosti reported.
As for gas prices, they are due to rise to over $200 per 1,000 cubic meters in 2009, up 67% from $119 in the first quarter of 2008.
According to a contract signed in December 2006 with Belarus, the price for Russian gas is scheduled to increase to 80 % of the price paid by Europe in 2009 and 90% in 2010.
Author: Ksenia Kochneva
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Russian Delegation In Belarus
Russain delegation with Vladimir Putin in charge of it came to Belarus to discuss the relations between two countries
