(Photo: AP)

KIEV, Oct. 4 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with his Belarusian counterpart, Alexander Lukashenko, on Friday at a bilateral forum held in Zhytomyr, northern Ukraine.

This is their first meeting since Zelensky took office in May. On relations between their two countries, Zelensky, describing Belarus as a "good neighbor," said, "We understand each other. I think our peoples are friendly, mentally close."

Lukashenko said, "You have never had any problems from the territory of Belarus and with Belarus, you will never have them. We will always be the most kind and reliable of your supporters, partners."

The two presidents are expected to address the bilateral forum on increasing cooperation at the local level before a ceremony of signing agreements.

The Second Forum of the Regions of Ukraine and Belarus opened Thursday, with the participation by delegations from 6 regions of Belarus and 22 regions of Ukraine.