Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 5 December (BelTA) – The National Assembly of Belarus hopes to strengthen its ties with the parliaments of all the countries of the European Union, Chairman of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus Mikhail Myasnikovich said as he met with Marshal of the Senate of Poland Stanislaw Karczewski on 5 December.

Mikhail Myasnikovich noted that Belarus would like “the constructive cooperation between Belarusian and Polish MPs to promote the development of the relations of the National Assembly with the parliaments of all the EU member states.”

The official added that Belarus will host a number of important international events in 2017, including a session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and meetings of the Central European Initiative. “We are getting ready to host the events, and have already prepared initiatives and suggestions. We believe that our voice will make a constructive contribution to the European issues. Europe is our common home, and we all are responsible for its security and prosperity,” Mikhail Myasnikovich stressed.

He expressed confidence that the visit of the Marshal of the Senate of Poland to Belarus will give a fresh impetus to the bilateral relations and contribute to the development of the cooperation between Belarus and Poland in all fields.

Mikhail Myasnikovich noted that Belarus is glad to see progress in the political dialogue with Poland. “This year we have managed to achieve good results in terms of political ties and economic cooperation. We are ready to step up our cooperation in all fields,” he said. The Chairman of the Council of the Republic also emphasized that the bilateral trade is growing, and the Polish investments in the Belarusian economy are increasing.

For his part, Stanislaw Karczewski said that he pins high hopes on the visit of the Polish parliamentary delegation to Belarus. He invited the Belarusian colleague to discuss a number of issues and consider ways to intensify cooperation in humanitarian affairs.

The Council of the Republic of Belarus and the Senate of Poland signed a joint statement of cooperation in Minsk on 5 December. Stanislaw Karczewski was given a Slutsk sash, a present from the Belarusian head of state.