Peskov: No new contacts between Putin, Lukashenko planned soon

MOSCOW, Jan 31 (PRIME) -- There are no plans of new contacts between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko, but they can meet any time, if necessary, Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday.

“No top-level contacts are planned for any time soon. However, such plans may appear if the presidents think it necessary,” he said, adding that a meeting of Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin with his Belarusian counterpart Sergei Rumas is planned.

Peskov also said that Belarus’s decision to buy oil from a third state is only an economic policy issue.

“This is an issue of economic… rationale. If that oil is cheaper than Russian oil, every country should act basing on its own interests. This is an issue of pure economy and pure commercial advantage,” he said.

Peskov also said that the government is considering putting off the Russian Investment Forum, scheduled to take place in Sochi from February 12 through February 14, due to the coronavirus threat, but the final decision will be made by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.

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