The Forum of Regions has become a landmark event in the life of Belarus and Russia, Chairwoman of the Council of the Republic Natalya Kochanova said at the plenary session of the 8th Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia on 1 July, BelTA has learned.

"The forum has become one of the landmark events in the life of the two countries and traditionally arouses genuine interest. It contributes both to good human relations and interstate dialogue. The unique project once proposed by Valentina Matviyenko have become an effective platform for large-scale interregional cooperation. Our meetings in Belarus and Russia have always been held in a atmosphere of cordiality, trust and, importantly, have always been results-yielding. Evidence of this is multimillion-dollar contracts, joint production facilities, joint projects," Natalya Kochanova said.

According to her, about 50 cooperation agreements - intergovernmental, interregional, interdepartmental – have been concluded at the forum. An agreement to set up a Belarusian-Russian business council was inked at the meeting of the Business Cooperation Council of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry of our countries. I am sure that it will contribute to direct business contacts, mutual trade and investment,” the speaker said. “It is important that young people take part in the forum's events. The governing bodies of the Chamber of Young Legislators at the Federation Council and the Youth Council of the National Assembly concluded a partnership agreement at their first joint meeting. It will serve as the basis for their effective diverse interaction. We expect that youth cooperation will become a significant factor in the development of Belarusian-Russian integration."

Natalya Kochanova stressed that the agenda of each forum is shaped by the most pressing issues of bilateral relations. "The current one highlights the importance of developing the scientific and technological space of the Union State. Science and innovation are among the key factors for national security. By pooling our capabilities, we will strengthen the sovereignty and independence of our countries,” the speaker noted. “We are proud by right that we have maintained a high level of education and preserved the scientific traditions of the Soviet Union. We have also mastered new areas: IT, bio- and nanotechnology, bioinformatics. The needs of the national economy in specialists capable of using advanced technologies are growing rapidly. This is why it is so important to unite the efforts of Belarus and Russia to ensure a faster pace of human resources development," she said.