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Opinions & Interviews

28 Mar 2013

Belyi: Belarus and Turkey succeed in fostering interregional cooperation

Belyi: Belarus and Turkey succeed in fostering interregional cooperation

MINSK, 28 March (BelTA) – A multipronged approach towards the expansion of interregional cooperation between Belarus and Turkey will allow the two countries enter a new level of all-round bilateral cooperation, Consul General of the Republic of Belarus to Istanbul Igor Belyi told BelTA as he commented on the signing of the twin-town agreement between Mogilev and Bursa.

Bursa is Turkey’s third largest city making part of the consular district of the Consulate General of Belarus in Istanbul.

Development of regional ties play an important role in the bilateral relations of the two states. Twin-town ties allow residents of the two countries learn about the cultural traditions of each other, share achievements in science, education, and simply develop relations in the areas of mutual interest. Such constructive approaches form the basis of the policy between the two states,” Igor Belyi stressed.

In his words, establishment of twin-town relations between big cities is a powerful instrument that helps the local authorities cooperate closer on the issues regarding regional self-administration, in particular in town planning, utilities, transport infrastructure. The signing of the twin-town agreement will help take interregional cooperation onto a higher level.

The diplomat said: “The cities of Mogilev and Bursa are very much alike. Both the cities can boast a long interesting history, steadily developing infrastructure and a big industrial potential. With this, the companies of the two cities have been cooperating long before the agreement was signed. For instance, Belarus supplies polyester fiber to Bursa companies. I see huge and yet untapped potential in the textile industry, production of auto parts, food and processing industries. I am confident the agreement will promote cooperation in these areas.”

“Our major task is make the signed documents bring benefit to both the sides. Therefore, we apply an umbrella approach in regional cooperation, which envisages signing of agreement on cooperation between regional offices of the chambers of commerce and industries, development of contacts between the administrations of free economic zones, establishment of twin-town relations between the towns of the regions and conclusion of agreements to develop cooperation at the oblast level,” Igor Belyi noted.

Thus, in 2012 an agreement on cooperation was inked between the Mogilev Office of the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Bursa, Mogilev Free Economic Zone boosted cooperation with free economic zones and industrial associations of Bursa Province.

The Consul General of the Republic of Belarus expressed hope that the next step forward will be the signing of an agreement on cooperation between the Mogilev Oblast Executive Committee and the Bursa Governorate. The issue is under consideration.

Belarus is in talks on establishing twin-town relations with other cities of the consular district. “This year we expect to develop twin-town relations between Gomel and Istanbul, Grodno and Edirne. Keeping in mind mutual interest of the countries in developing interregional cooperation we may predict the plans will spring to life. Thanks to trust relationship between Belarus and Turkey we see the ways of intensifying cooperation at different levels,” Igor Belyi stated.

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