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Cooperation between MPs hailed as solid basis for closer Belarus-Russia dialogue

Valentina Matviyenko and Natalya Kochanova

MINSK, 5 March (BelTA) – Cooperation between the parliaments is a firm foundation for closer dialogue between Belarus and Russia, Chairwoman of the Council of the Republic of Belarus’ National Assembly Natalya Kochanova said as she met with Speaker of the Federation Council of Russia’s Federal Assembly Valentina Matviyenko in Minsk on 5 March, BelTA has learned.

Natalya Kochanova stressed that Belarusian MPs are ready to cooperate with Russian partners in “absolutely all areas of activities of our countries and parliaments”. “Active cooperation between MPs is a sound foundation for promoting the Belarus-Russia dialogue,” she said.

MPs play an important role in strengthening ties between the two countries. The Council of the Republic and the Federation Council closely cooperate within the framework of international parliamentary organizations. One of the most effective forms of interparliamentary cooperation is the Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia. “The forum has recently become not only an excellent venue for a constructive dialogue on economic, interparliamentary, and interregional cooperation, but a way to get feedback and hear initiatives and proposals from regions,” Natalya Kochanova pointed out.

This year Belarus will host the seventh such forum. The Council of the Republic hopes that the event will result in signing more cooperation agreements and business contracts. The forum will center around the historical heritage of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, as the countries will mark its 75th anniversary in 2020. “Belarusians and Russians deeply respect the deeds of their fathers and grandfathers who gave their lives for freedom and independence. Our country lost every third resident in the Great Patriotic War. The memory of the war and the nation’s feat is sacred and precious,” Natalya Kochanova said.

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