MINSK, 11 May (BelTA) – The Council of the Republic approved the ratification of several agreements related to international activities at a meeting of the fourth session of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of the eighth convocation, BelTA has learned.
“A very large package of draft laws was reviewed today. They concern international cooperation and the regulation of various aspects of our interaction with friendly countries and integration associations,” said Sergei Aleinik, Chairman of the Standing Commission on International Affairs and National Security of the Council of the Republic.
According to him, these documents relate to relations with Jordan, Oman, Myanmar and Indonesia. They regulate various areas: avoidance of double taxation with Jordan, road transport cooperation with Oman, and visa abolition with Myanmar.
Sergei Aleinik highlighted in particular the free trade agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union and Indonesia. He noted that Belarus consistently promotes the development of free trade regimes with distant countries.
“During Belarus’ chairmanship of the EAEU, three such agreements were signed, and today we are completing the ratification process for the agreement with Indonesia,” the chairman said. “Indonesia is the largest country in Southeast Asia, with enormous potential and a huge market. It is enough to note that our trade has almost doubled in a year and now stands at around half a billion US dollars.”
Documents concerning labor migration and cooperation between law-enforcement bodies within the CIS were also submitted for consideration to the Council of the Republic.
As for migration, the discussion concerned a memorandum of understanding with Pakistan, which will regulate and establish a transparent system for monitoring labor migration from that country. Another document, on cooperation between law-enforcement agencies within the CIS, will help counter transnational crime and combat the illegal trafficking of drugs, weapons and other items.
The Council of the Republic also approved the ratification of agreements between the governments of Belarus and Jordan on the elimination of double taxation on income taxes and the prevention of tax evasion and minimization of tax liabilities, and between the governments of Belarus and Oman on international road freight transport.
The Council of the Republic approved the ratification of two agreements with the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan: on readmission, and on the conditions of stay for Belarusian citizens in Kyrgyzstan and Kyrgyz citizens in Belarus.
In addition, the Council approved the ratification of an agreement between the governments of Belarus and Russia on cooperation in precious metals, precious stones and related products; the treaty on the procedure for organizing and conducting international controlled deliveries by the competent authorities of CIS member states; the memorandum of understanding between the governments of Belarus and Pakistan on cooperation in labor and employment; and others.