MINSK, 8 September (BelTA) – The project to use port facilities in Murmansk Oblast for transshipping Belarusian cargoes is economically viable. Governor of Russia's Murmansk Oblast Andrei Chibis made the statement as he met with Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko, BelTA has learned.
Andrei Chibis said: “We truly open actually new history of interaction today. If I have to recall, Murmansk Oblast was one of the first regions of modern Russia to sign an agreement with Belarus. Our people remember both your visit and participation in a ski marathon. By the way, it means a lot. It can never be forgotten, it is very important. This communication remains in place. Indeed we have all the opportunities for rebooting our relations and to a great mutual advantage at that. I am very grateful to you for the decision on logistics that you've voiced today.”
In his words, a concrete project has been worked out by both sides now. “I am convinced that all the economic issues from the point of view of even freight shipment costs can be resolved. We tightly cooperate with Russian Railways and the federal government. We enjoy full understanding and support in this regard,” Andrei Chibis assured.
After the meeting the governor said: “Today we see very concrete practical results – what the president of Belarus mentioned with regard to logistics, the use of Murmansk as a pillar for building a port for transshipping fertilizers. It is a major and important joint step for us. We've prepared it in advance and have discussed it with specialists.”
BelTA reported earlier that Belarus will redirect some of its exports to ports in Russia's Murmansk Oblast. The matter was discussed at a meeting of Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko and Murmansk Oblast Governor Andrei Chibis. Aleksandr Lukashenko said: “In the present conditions the redirection of some Belarusian exports, primarily potash fertilizers, to your ports is a strategic matter. And not only potash fertilizers. You know we've looked into the matter and most closely at that. I was informed about all the things and we made a decision in favor of cooperation with Murmansk Oblast in this regard despite the fact that we are already working in the St Petersburg area.”
