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“This is my first visit to Grodno Oblast and the second trip to Belarus. I am impressed with the industrial and social development of the region and the country in general. We are confident that our two regions need closer business contacts, economic ties and more robust cooperation in education, culture and tourism,” said Karim Kokrekbayev. He underlined mutual understanding between the authorities and companies of the two regions and voiced an initiative to establish twin town relations between the two regions of Belarus and Kazakhstan with approximately equal number of residents.

In turn, Vladimir Kravtsov supported his counterpart’s proposal and instructed the foreign economic department to consider the matter and prepare the relevant documents.

The two governors reached a preliminary agreement to set up a branch of Lidselmash Holding Company, an assembly plant and an exhibition hall for Grodno agricultural equipment in Zhambyl Oblast of Kazakhstan. The meeting also touched upon the development of mobile education, cultural and social relations. “We need more frequent mutual exchanges of specialists, delegations’ trips to discuss agricultural, industrial, cultural and other issues. We are deeply interested in developing tourism. Our region is crossed by the Great Silk Road. There are more than 2,000 historical monuments here. You also have a rich history. I think we can cooperate much closer in this area. Cultural exchanges could be also more regular,” Karim Kokrekbayev said and suggested holding the Days of Zhambyl Oblast Culture in Grodno in 2016 and later holding the Days of Grodno Oblast Culture in Taraz (Zhambyl Oblast).

Vladimir Kravtsov invited his Kazakh counterpart to participate in the events of the Festival of National Cultures in Grodno in June 2016. Moreover, the parties showed interest in developing direct flights.

The Governor of Zhambyl Oblast stressed he is also ready to sign direct contacts on recreation services in Belarusian health resorts.

A representative delegation of Kazakhstan’s Zhambyl Oblast led by Governor Karim Kokrekbayev is on a visit to Grodno Oblast. The delegation comprises local authorities, a rector of one of the universities, heads of agricultural and trading companies. The guests have already visited OAO Lidselmash, OAO Lidagroprommash, and the Progress Vertelishki agricultural company.