Russian credits Belarus

The heads of Belarus and Russia are meeting at the Palace of Independence in Minsk.

Andrei Kabyakou and Dmitry Medvedev talked on the phone on February 17.

As Belarus still hopes to get a loan from IMF, Lukashenka tells the government to cooperate but not bow to the lender.

The Belarus president discusses with the government financial assistance promised by Russia and prospects in the West.

Giving out new loans increases financial risks for Russia, Russian Deputy Finance Minister Sergei Storchak says.

It is easier to get a credit from the Eurasian Stabilization and Development Fund rather than from the IMF, the Minister believes.

The Belarusian President organized a meeting dedicated to the IMF $3bn credit on Tuesday.

The Kremlin has noted that the Belarusian side has fully complied with its financial obligations.

The working visit will last two days - 28 and 29 September.