MINSK, 5 June (BelTA) – The friendship group with Belarus has been set up in the parliament of Italy, BelTA learned from the press service of the Council of the Republic.
The group is led by fraction leader of Fratelli d'Italia (Brothers of Italy) in the Chamber of Deputies Francesco Lollobrigida. On Belarus' behalf the group is headed by Vice Speaker of the Council of the Republic Marianna Shchetkina.
The talks on the friendship group in the Italian parliament were held in several stages. The matter was also discussed at the recent meeting of Marianna Shchetkina with Deputy Chairperson of the Senate Paola Taverna. During the meeting the Italian side expressed interest in strengthening bilateral contacts with Belarus and develop cooperation in the international arena, including the OSCE PA and the CEI PA.
“The friendship group in the Italian parliament confirms Italy's intention to strengthen inter-parliamentary cooperation with Belarus, which, in turn, will promote stronger ties between the countries in the trade, economic, investment and humanitarian areas,” the Council of the Republic said.
In 2018, the trade between the two countries totaled almost $913 million, up 15.2% year on year. Belarus is home to 263 companies with the Italian capital.
