Events

MINSK, 20 November (BelTA) – A protocol on cooperation between the National Assembly of Belarus and the Grand National Assembly of Turkey was signed in Minsk on 20 November, BelTA has learnt.

The document was inked by Speakers of the two chambers of the National Assembly Anatoly Rubinov and Vladimir Andreichenko, Chairman of the Grand National Assembly Cemil Cicek who is heading the Turkish parliamentary delegation on an official visit to Belarus.

Speaking to the media after the signing ceremony, Cemil Cicek noted that the document would help boost inter-parliamentary ties and cooperation between the two countries. Speaker of the Council of the Republic Anatoly Rubinov stressed that the signing of the protocol would considerably contribute to intensification of parliamentary relations.

The heads of parliament of Belarus and Turkey noted during the meeting in the Council of the Republic that the present level of inter-parliamentary cooperation does not meet the real potential. At the same time the two countries have been steadily developing all-round cooperation. Belarus and Turkey respect foreign political and economic priorities of each other. This, according to Chairman of the House of Representatives Vladimir Andreichenko, “allowed us constantly increase mutual trade, develop cooperation in international organizations.” Tense relations between Belarus and the EU have not hampered Belarus-Turkey fruitful cooperation. “Of course, Turkey has certain commitments to the EU, although it is not its member. The country also has its own interests, among which is cooperation with Belarus. The example is worth following,” Vladimir Andreichenko said.

The Turkish parliamentary delegation is in Belarus on an official visit until 21 November. The Turkish Speaker is expected to meet with Belarusian Premier Mikhail Myasnikovich and Chairman of the Constitutional Court Piotr Miklashevich.