MINSK, 7 July (BelTA) – Equitable union relations are equally beneficial for Belarus and Russia. Chairman of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus Vladimir Andreichenko made the relevant statement during the 58th session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union State of Belarus and Russia on 7 July, BelTA has learned.
The MP stressed that it is impossible to build a genuine union that meets vital interests of nations and can be an attractive example for other nations on the basis of only pragmatic things. “Such integration is based on common values and relations that presume equality in all basic spheres of life of the state and the society. Despite the difference in sizes of our countries equitable union relations benefit Belarus and Russia in equal measure. Because they serve to genuinely bolster the sovereignties, enhance the economic potentials, and preserve the national and cultural identity of our nations,” the head of the lower chamber of the Belarusian parliament said.
Vladimir Andreichenko continued: “Integration is not a goal in itself but a tool that helps us ensure the wellbeing of the population and high living standards. It is our key task. We should bear it in mind as we form the agenda for the near future.”
Ensuring the equality of rights of citizens and commercial entities remains the key priority. “We should double our efforts to remove artificial barriers and overcome negative trends in trade, oil and gas industry, finance,” the MP added.
The MP pointed out that the Russian president's appeal to leaders of nuclear powers to discuss pressing issues on the global agenda correlates with the Belarusian head of state's initiative to relaunch the Helsinki process. “The success of these peaceful initiatives, regional security and the future of our countries depend in no small measure on the persistent implementation of the unique geopolitical project we call the Union State of Belarus and Russia,” the MP said.
Participants of the session discussed budget matters, including amendments and addenda to the Union State's Supreme State Council's decree on the Union State budget of 2019. The amendments were required due to the financing of new Union State programs, projects, and events. Those include, for instance, a program on joint efforts to protect the population and rehabilitate the territories affected by the Chernobyl catastrophe, a project to create a sculptural composition for the Rzhev war memorial in Russia's Tver Oblast.
As a result of the amendments revenues of the Union State budget for the year 2019 were raised to RUB7,259.1 million. The surplus was cut nearly by half to RUB579.9 million. The budget financed a total of 12 programs, three projects, and 24 events of the Union State of Belarus and Russia.
Participants of the session also recognized the authority of the delegates sent by the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly and the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union State of Belarus and Russia. Vladimir Andreichenko was elected first deputy chairman of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union State of Belarus and Russia.
Deputy Chairman of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus Anatoly Isachenko and Chairman of the International Affairs Commission of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus Andrei Savinykh became deputies representing the Belarusian side.
Changes of the Belarusian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union State of Belarus and Russia were prompted by the latest parliamentary elections in Belarus.
Participants of the session set up commissions of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union State of Belarus and Russia, elected their heads and their deputies.
