Forum of Regions seen as contributor to Belarus-Russia cooperation

The Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia makes a significant contribution to the development of our cooperation, said Chairwoman of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus Natalya Kochanova, BelTA has learned.

The chairpersons of the Council of the Republic and the Federation Council, Natalya Kochanova and Valentina Matviyenko, took part in a meeting with the regional authorities of Belarus and Russia in Grodno on 1 July.

"In the light of the current situation the regions of Belarus and Russia seek even closer ties. Undoubtedly, the Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia makes a significant contribution to the development of our cooperation. This event has proved its worth. It was the right decision to launch the forum and today we see feasible results in cooperation. More than 400 agreements, thousands of contracts have been concluded by our regions, business entities,” Natalya Kochanova said.

The speaker emphasized: "I am sincerely happy that twin-city movement is gaining momentum. Many of our cities and districts are bound by twin-city relations. This is very important, and more agreements are singed every year," she said.

“The forum events are always focused on the discussion of the most important topics. Today's topic - regional cooperation in deepening integration processes of the Union State - is more relevant than ever. Over the past days we have held quite a number of events, signed contracts and agreements and held bilateral meetings. We have held a wonderful exhibition where we saw the achievements that we have today and demonstrated the integration that exists between our countries. It is very important for us. Economic cooperation is fundamental at this stage. This event which gets together heads of Belarusian and Russian regions and legislative authorities at one table is a traditional part of the forum. Here we can share the positive experience we have in our cooperation, and voice the problems that exist in the relations between our countries,” Natalya Kochanova said.

The program of the forum’s day two will also include the plenary session “The role of interregional cooperation in deepening the Union State integration processes”. Attending the event will be heads of ministries and departments, government agencies, enterprises and organizations, representatives of Belarusian and Russian business.