Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has welcomed his visiting Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, at Belarusian capital Minsk’s Independence Palace, reports TASS.

Lukashenko welcomed Putin inside the building, near the entrance. The two leaders shook hands, embraced, and exchanged a couple of words.

They will co-chair a meeting of the Supreme State Council of the Union State of Russia and Belarus. The meeting will address a range of issues, from defense to communications tariffs.

Later in the day, the leaders will sign joint documents and will hold a one-on-ne meeting when the main program is completed.