MINSK, 28 October (BelTA) - Good fraternal relations are at the heart of cooperation between Belarus and Russia, Chairperson of the Council of the Republic, the upper house of the Belarusian Parliament, Natalya Kochanova said during a meeting with Chairperson of the Federation Council of the Russian Federal Assembly Valentina Matviyenko in Samarkand, BelTA has learned.
"I am sincerely happy to have this opportunity to meet. We have a deep respect for you and senators of the Russian Federation. First of all, I would take this opportunity and congratulate you on your election to such a high position [Chairperson of the Council of the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly]. We are really happy about this, because under your leadership we work and cooperate fruitfully, solve problems together. Time is so fast, so swift, and we have to keep up with everything. I sincerely congratulate you on behalf of all our colleagues and Belarus, because we know you as a good friend of our country," Natalya Kochanova said. “The tone of our relations is set by the presidents. Today we are working on the 28 Union State programs. They are designed to advance the integration and cooperation in absolutely all areas. Indeed, our cooperation is very fruitful. Probably not a single day passes without contacts between our governments, ministers, and agencies at various levels.
The speaker added that preparations for the 10th Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia have already started. "An organizing committee has already been set up. We are working on all fronts and take this work very seriously," she underlined. “I would like to thank our colleagues for close cooperation, because we cooperate not only as MPs but also as good friends. We do not have any disagreements; all issues are solved promptly and efficiently. We have full understanding and, of course, we are grateful to you for that.”
Belarus is ready to cooperate with Russia in absolutely all areas, including in the light industry. "We are interested in this sector. You know that Belarus has always been known for its light industry goods. Today, when we have faced such strong sanctions pressure, we have to produce everything locally. Our president has instructed us to develop cooperation in all sectors, in trade and economy with the Russian Federation. Today our enterprises are cooperating very closely. We must produce everything our people need. We have everything for that: our historical roots, our good fraternal relations," Natalya Kochanova added.
The meeting was held on the margins of the autumn session of the CIS IPA in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
