Lukashenko expects to meet with Putin before Union's Supreme State Council meeting

MINSK. Jan 22 (Interfax) - Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko expects to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin for one-on-one negotiations before a Belarus-Russia Union Supreme State Council session, the presidential press service said on Monday.

"Alexander Lukashenko has said there are plans to have negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a one-on-one format before the Supreme State Council session," it said.

"We'll discuss some fundamental issues. If some additions to the agenda proposed are suggested, we'll make such proposals right at the Supreme State Council session," the press service quoted Lukashenko as saying while meeting with Belarus-Russia Union State Secretary Dmitry Mezentsev.

Lukashenko and Mezentsev discussed preparations for the State Supreme Council session, it said.

"There is a draft agenda, so to speak, for a session of the Supreme State Council, the top body of our Union State. Nobody prevents anyone from making proposals and amendments up to the moment of its consideration and endorsement, including right at the Supreme State Council session," Lukashenko said.

"Priority should be given to the implementation of the Union's programs," Lukashenko said.

"We've always acknowledged that we're working here quite well. The conversation will be serious and principled," he said.