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Belarus, France to expand interregional contacts

GRODNO, 18 April (BelTA) – Belarus and France are determined to intensify interregional cooperation in all the areas, Charles Guene, Deputy Chairman of the Finance Commission of the French Senate, chairman of the France-Belarus friendship group, said as he met with Grodno Oblast authorities on 18 April, BelTA has learned.

The parties discussed a broad range of matters related to international cooperation. “We need to strengthen contacts, friendship at all the levels, including between the regions. One of the major goals of our visit is to learn more about Grodno Oblast and meet local authorities,” Charles Guene said. He emphasized that there are some ideas how to promote cooperation in high tech, tourism and other sectors.

“Our trade with France is still small. However, I am convinced that our trade and economic cooperation has great prospects,” Grodno Oblast Governor Vladimir Kravtsov said during the meeting. In his words, Grodno Oblast and France established solid educational and cultural partnerships that can become the driver of bilateral cooperation.

Another topic on the agenda was common history. The French delegation is expected to visit the town of Shchuchin. According to available information, during the First World War, officer Charles de Gaulle was captured by Germans and spent several months in captivity in Shchuchin in 1916.

“It was a revelation for me. I am convinced that few people in France know about it. I think we will be able to find common ground on how to commemorate Charles de Gaulle’s stay in Shchuchin,” Charles Guene said.

The French delegation was also curious about Belarus’ efforts to promote tourism and hospitality industry, and the use of high technology in museology.

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