MINSK, 27 February (BelTA) – A protocol of cooperation between the Government of Belarus and the Government of the Udmurt Republic of the Russian Federation for 2015-2017 was signed by Belarusian Prime Minister Andrei Kobyakov and head of Udmurtia Alexander Solovyov in Minsk on 27 February, BelTA has learned.
Before the signing ceremony, the Belarusian head of government stated that Belarus highly values the relations with Russian regions. "This is an absolutely reliable, time-tested partner and a friend who will never let us down, who is always consistent, predictable and efficient," Andrei Kobyakov said.
The Prime Minister noted that the current level of trade and economic cooperation between Belarus and the Udmurt Republic does not match the potential of the parties (in 2014 the mutual trade amounted to $44 million). However, he expressed the hope that the current visit of the Udmurt delegation, during which Alexander Solovyov met with the Belarusian leader, will help improve the situation already by the end of 2015.
For his part, Alexander Solovyov said that the region is interested in developing and enhancing bilateral cooperation with Belarus. These days, the members of the delegation are exploring possible areas, visiting the Belarusian enterprises. According to the head of the Udmurt Republic, a number of intentions on cooperation were signed with Belarusian companies. Udmurita is especially interested in pharmaceuticals as this Russian region practically does not produce drugs.