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MINSK, 7 June (BelTA) – The cooperation between the regions of Belarus and Russia is growing, Chairwoman of the Federation Council of Russia’s Federal Assembly Valentina Matviyenko said at the opening of the Belarusian Agro-Industrial Week and the Third Belarus-Russia Forum of Regions in Minsk on 7 June, BelTA has learned.

Valentina Matviyenko pointed out that the interregional cooperation is gaining momentum. It is growing and becoming more fruitful, pragmatic and result-driven.

The Chairwoman of the Federation Council noted that the Russian delegation to the forum comprises representatives of 40 regions, which attests to the strong interest of the Russian side in cooperation with Belarus. “This is a record number in the history of the forum,” Valentina Matviyenko emphasized.

“We would like to make every effort so that the Belarus-Russia Forum yields results and the cross-border interregional cooperation contributes considerably to the strengthening and expansion of our economic and humanitarian ties,” the Chairperson of the Federation Council said.

She thanked the Belarusian side for the opportunity to learn about Belarus’ achievements in agricultural engineering and manufacturing industry. “This is of critical importance to us, because agricultural development is a key priority for both Russia and Belarus. Despite the problems that our economies are faced with and the difficult global economic situation, the agriculture sectors of Belarus and Russia demonstrate very good growth rates,” Valentina Matviyenko said.

As many as 80 subjects of the Russian Federation currently cooperate with Belarus. Valentina Matviyenko noted with satisfaction that Belagro 2016 showcases products manufactured not only by Belarusian companies, but also by joint Belarusian-Russian ventures. There are more than 70 Belarusian assembly enterprises in Russian regions today.

Chairman of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus Mikhail Myasnikovich and Valentina Matviyenko attended Belagro 2016 to examine samples of agricultural machinery and get updated on the latest achievements in healthcare, education, and science. They also visited pavilions of food industry enterprises.

A set of documents aimed at strengthening the interregional cooperation was signed in the presence of the chairpersons of the upper chambers of the parliaments of Belarus and Russia. The Mogilev Oblast Executive Committee and the government of Russia’s Tula Oblast concluded an agreement on cooperation in trade, economy, science, technology and culture. The Mogilev Oblast authorities also signed a protocol of intent to develop cooperation with the government of Novosibirsk Oblast. An action plan to boost cooperation between Belarus and Bryansk Oblast was inked by the governor of the Russian region and the chairman of Belgospishcheprom Concern. Besides, contracts were signed between the companies Belneftekhim-Ros (Moscow) and Avangard (Saint Petersburg) to supply polyester fiber manufactured by Belarus’ Mogilevkhimvolokno. Gomel Chemical Plant concluded a dealership agreement with Nizhny Novgorod-based VASTECO Partners.