Putin visits Belarus before Uzbekistan

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Minsk, the capital of Belarus, for a two-day official visit on May 23.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko welcomed Putin at Minsk airport. According to the Kremlin's press service, the visit was made at Lukashenko's invitation.

Lukashenko's press service reported that on May 24, the discussions between the leaders will be held at the Independence Palace in Minsk, starting with a small meeting and later expanding to include more officials.

The discussions will cover the full spectrum of Belarus-Russia relations and future prospects, including integration efforts, implementing decisions by the Supreme State Council of the Union States, political dialogue, joint trade and economic projects, security enhancement, and humanitarian cooperation.

Additionally, the talks will address the international agenda, regional issues, and a coordinated response to emerging risks and threats.

This trip to Belarus is Putin's second foreign visit since resuming the presidency of the Russian Federation on May 7. His first state visit was to China, and he is scheduled to visit Uzbekistan on May 26-27.