Krutoi: Belarus-Russia Union State programs have been implemented by 71%

MINSK, 14 February (BelTA) – Belarus-Russia Union State programs have been implemented by 71%, Belarusian Ambassador to Russia Dmitry Krutoi said at a meeting of the High-Level Group at the Council of Ministers of the Union State of Belarus and Russia in Minsk on 14 February, BelTA has learned.

“By now the Union State programs have been implemented by 71%. Considering that the main guidelines adopted by the presidents fall for the period of 2021-2023, it is obvious that 2023 is a special year as it will mark the completion of this process. Therefore, we need to stay focused and achieve good results in those areas that are still lagging behind,” said Dmitry Krutoi.

According to him, interregional cooperation has gained a lot of momentum. “Last year, more than 100 delegations of various levels from Russian regions visited Belarus. Almost the same number of Belarusian delegations visited Russia. I believe that the High-Level Group also contributes to the development of the Union State, solving many issues. We are ready to discuss all kinds of topics. Last year, the High-Level Group held four meetings. We discussed about 40 different issues. I will name those that I view as the most important. The first one is an agreement on microelectronic technologies. The second one is a pilot project on mutual recognition of bank guarantees in public procurement. Today, guarantees worth more than RUB150 million have already been issued. Arrangements have been reached on the abolition of roaming, on the supply of crushed stone, elevators, lumber, just to name a few. Today, we are working on promoting joint exchange trading, recognition of electronic digital signature, convergence of railway tariffs for a number of sensitive goods,” the ambassador said.