Events

Belarus, Russia’s Kaluga Oblast sign action plan for cooperation through 2029

MINSK, 28 July (BelTA) - Following a meeting of the joint working group in Minsk, Belarus and Russia’s Kaluga Oblast signed an action plan for 2027–2029 to implement the agreement on trade, economic, scientific, technical, and cultural cooperation, BelTA has learned.

The document was signed by Belarusian Architecture and Construction Minister Vadim Olshevsky and Governor of Russia’s Kaluga Oblast Vladislav Shapsha.

In addition, agreements were concluded on international and foreign economic ties in the trade, economic, scientific, technical, and socio-cultural sectors between the city district of Kaluga and Brest; on cooperation in implementing investment projects for the production of agricultural unmanned aerial vehicles in Kaluga Oblast; and on intentions between the Government of Kaluga Oblast and the state enterprise Belstroitsentr and Gomselmash.

According to Vadim Olshevsky, Kaluga Oblast is a reliable, time-tested partner for Belarus in the Central Federal District. The working group meetings make it possible to identify promising areas for cooperation.

Belarus is interested in expanding cooperation in construction, agriculture, and the supply of municipal, freight, passenger, and agricultural machinery. Belarusian model of agricultural development has proven its effectiveness, and Belarus is ready to share its accumulated experience.

“Priority attention must be given to the use of high-tech equipment and modern machinery, all of which are offered by Belarusian manufacturers. We are ready to increase supplies of agricultural machinery, compound feeds for farm animals and fish, and premixes to the region, as well as to cooperate in livestock breeding, seed production, and the supply of Belarusian agricultural products,” Vadim Olshevsky said.

Vladislav Shapsha emphasized that cooperation between Belarus and Kaluga Oblast has been successfully developing for many years across a wide range of areas, including industry, agriculture, construction, trade, science, education, culture, tourism, sports, and ecology.

“Belarus is our key partner in many areas, and we particularly value its reliability, trust, and friendship. Twelve years ago, we signed an agreement on trade, economic, scientific, technical, and cultural cooperation, within the framework of which we regularly sign action plans for three-year periods. This document laid the foundation for systematic and multifaceted work to strengthen and expand our ties,” Vladislav Shapsha said.

He told the media that significant results have been achieved in recent years, with bilateral trade reaching $700 million. Over the past three years, it has increased by more than 20%. The long-term target is to reach the $1 billion mark.

Beyond the economic dimension, one of the key areas is education. Belarusian students are currently enrolled in Kaluga’s universities. “We are always open to exchange programs so that our students are also offered such opportunities. Especially given the many areas of cooperation that exist,” the governor said. He particularly noted Belarus’ significant experience in training agricultural personnel.

The prospects for developing ties between Obninsk and Belarus were also discussed. Obninsk is considered the birthplace of peaceful nuclear energy and is home to more than a dozen research institutes. A major project is underway to build the largest plant for the production of radiopharmaceuticals in Europe and the first of its kind in Russia. “This is an industrial-scale production of vital drugs for the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of diseases. We are certainly ready to share our expertise,” Vladislav Shapsha said.

In addition, Obninsk hosts a training center for Rosatom specialists and other educational organizations in this field. Given the prospects for nuclear energy in Belarus, the region sees potential for cooperation in this area.