"Today, without space, it is impossible to solve any effective tasks on earth at all. These are increased defense capabilities, modern new materials, medicines, logistics, and movement... Therefore, this is an important topic. We are paying and will continue to pay the necessary attention," Putin said at a meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, as well as Russian cosmonaut Oleg Novitsky and first Belarusian female cosmonaut Marina Vasilevskaya.
Belarus Ready to Take Part in Creation of Russian Space Station
At today's meeting President Lukashenko confirmed that Belarus is ready to join Russia's efforts in creating a space station of its own.
"He [Russian President Vladimir Putin] briefly mentioned that there will be a domestic space station … this is the main thing. We are willing to contribute as much as we can to build this space station and work together," he said.