News & Events in Belarus

MOSCOW, 30 June (BelTA) – Belarus and Russia get considerable advantages by pooling their capabilities. Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko made the statement during the plenary session of the fourth Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia on 30 June, BelTA has learned.

Alexander Lukashenko said: “This year we’ve celebrated the 20^th anniversary of the Union State of Belarus and Russia. The date symbolizes the choice of the main development vector, the mutual aspiration for integration and deep interaction in social, economic, humanitarian and other affairs. A lot has been done in the two decades. Manufacturing cooperation and ongoing Union State programs testify to the effectiveness of combining the material and intellectual capabilities of our countries. The Belarusian and Russian economies get considerable advantages as a result.”

The president stressed that Belarus and Russia had achieved considerable results in integration. Other countries have not been able to secure such results so far. “One can say we’ve done well,” added Alexander Lukashenko.

Interregional cooperation occupies an important place in Belarus-Russia cooperation, noted Alexander Lukashenko. The forums of regions of Belarus and Russia have become an open platform for a trustful conversation about topical issues, pointed out the Belarusian head of state. “Without any flattery I would like to thank the heads of the upper chambers of the Belarusian and Russian parliaments. They are ‘the engines’ of this integration movement. I am very pleased with their cooperation in this regard. They take matters of the forum close to heart.”

Alexander Lukashenko added that the annual forums allow maintaining permanent ties between representatives of central and municipal government agencies of Belarus and Russia. So far 70 agreements signed by the Belarusian government and the administrations of constituent territories of the Russian Federation have come into effect. Each of them is accompanied by a concrete program of actions for a period of three to four years.