Russia, Belarus discussing various aspects of interaction, including finances - Kremlin

MOSCOW. June 14 (Interfax) - Russia and Belarus are discussing various aspects of cooperation, including in the financial sector, Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov said.

"Various options of interaction are being discussed within the framework of the Union State, including financial interaction. All these matters are in the discussion phase," Peskov told journalists on Tuesday, when asked to comment on Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko's statement that the two countries were discussing the allocation of $1.5 billion to Minsk for involvement in import substitution programs.

Lukashenko made that statement while meeting with Kursk region Governor Roman Starovoit on June 9.

Lukashenko said Belarus offered a number of practical projects to Russia, which should be in demand shortly not only in Belarus but also in Russia.