MINSK, 10 October (BelTA) – No barriers should stand in the way of realization of Union State programs. Chairwoman of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus Natalya Kochanova made the statement as she met with State Secretary of the Union State of Belarus and Russia Sergei Glazyev, BelTA has learned.
Natalya Kochanova said: “The Union State [of Belarus and Russia] is a unique integration association and can serve as an example for many integration associations. Certainly, we understand that the basis and foundation for such close cooperation are the good, friendly relations that have long existed between our leaders Aleksandr Lukashenko and Vladimir Putin. Understanding the tasks set by our leaders, we have to continue to implement and bring them to life for the benefit of our peoples and our countries.”
The speaker emphasized that results of Belarus-Russia trade and economic cooperation are very encouraging. Trade turnover exceeded $50 billion last year. “This is an outstanding achievement, and the leaders discussed this matter in Volgograd and at [other] meetings. This trend continued in the first half of the year,” Natalya Kochanova added.
The chairwoman of the Council of the Republic noted that integration work continues. During the recent Innoprom Belarus expo, members of the Council of the Republic once again saw evidence of good joint products and achievements. This is also facilitated by the programs being implemented in the Union State.
At the same time, the speaker stressed that there should be no barriers to the implementation of Union State programs.
“As parliamentarians we understand that we should work more closely on all matters concerning our integration processes. First of all, we define regional cooperation,” said Natalya Kochanova, pointing out the importance of the Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia, which has become a traditional event. The speaker recalled that the 12th Forum of Regions was held in Nizhny Novgorod and pointed out the importance of the fact that control over the implementation of the concluded agreements and contracts has been established.
Continuing the topic of the implementation of the agreements reached at the Forum of Regions, the chairwoman of the Council of the Republic noted that last week Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Yuri Vorobyov visited Minsk. A meeting of the interparliamentary commission was held, during which the relevant results were also summarized.
“It is gratifying that we always monitor how our regions cooperate. We understand that regional cooperation is an important aspect of our work. As a chamber of territorial representation the Council of the Republic is interested in it,” said Natalia Kochanova, adding that horizontal ties in cooperation between Belarus and Russia are well established and produce results.
As for the next forum, the speaker noted that in 2026 it will be held in Minsk and Minsk Oblast. The organizers have practically decided where the plenary session will take place and where the commissions will work. And in the future, according to an appropriate agreement, the forum will be held every two years.
According to the speaker, a wide range of matters were discussed during the forum. The forum held in Nizhny Novgorod was dedicated to youth affairs. Next year more attention will be paid to economic matters.
Speaking about equal rights of citizens of Belarus and Russia, Natalya Kochanova recalled that on 7 October, the Council of the Republic approved the ratification of the protocol amending the agreement between Belarus and the Russian Federation on equal rights of citizens of 25 December 1998. The speaker drew attention to the importance of this decision and noted that the Council of the Republic will continue working on draft laws to create the most equal rights possible for citizens of both countries because such a union is of strategic importance.
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