PODOLSK, 27 November (BelTA) - Experience of twining relations with Belarus' regions is very valuable for Moscow Oblast, Deputy Chairperson of the Moscow Oblast Government Elmira Khaimurzina said at the 8th meeting of Belarusian and Russian twin towns, BelTA has learned.
Elmira Khaimurzina emphasized that the program of the present meeting is dedicated to the economic, investment and innovative interaction in the Eurasian Economic Union. The forum is designed to help Belarusian and Russian partners share best practical experience and borrow the best things from each other. The Belarusian guests are expected to visit enterprises and organizations in Podolsk.
According to Elmira Khaimurzina, such contacts are very valuable, especially in view of the fact that Podolsk has gathered many of the leaders of Belarusian and Russian cities and regions.
"We have developed very strong twinning relations. This is valuable experience. We borrow the best things from each other,” she said.
“We often hear the word ‘friendship' during the meeting. The friendship between Russia and Belarus is a cornerstone of mutually beneficial cooperation," said Elmira Khaimurzina.
Minister-Counsellor of the Embassy of Belarus in Moscow Vladimir Koltovich emphasized that Russia will remain the main strategic partner of Belarus. Russia accounts for more than 48% of the total foreign trade of Belarus, including approximately 38% of export and about 57% of import. Today, despite the decline in foreign trade, the intensity of contacts between Belarus and Russia remain very high, the Belarusian diplomat said. He drew attention to the importance of the two states' cooperation within the framework of the Union State and the Eurasian Economic Union. The diplomat also noted the role of twining relations in strengthening the Belarusian-Russian interaction.
The meeting in Podolsk has brought together about 200 Belarusian and Russian representatives to discuss the ways of promoting more effective interaction in various areas of economy.
