GRODNO, 1 July (BelTA) - Practical interaction between the subjects of the Russian Federation and the regions of the Republic of Belarus serves as one of the foundations of good-neighborly relations between the countries and the locomotive of the closest and most mutually beneficial economic cooperation, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in his video address to the participants of the plenary session “The role of interregional cooperation in deepening the Union State integration processes” at the 9th Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia in Grodno on 1 July, BelTA has learned.
According to him, work to implement the 28 Union State programs is in full swing. It has been rhythmic and on schedule. Almost 40% of the planned activities have already been implemented. Practical interaction between the subjects of the Russian Federation and the regions of the Republic of Belarus serves as one of the foundations of good-neighborly relations between our countries and the locomotive of the closest and mutually beneficial economic cooperation. Largely due to the active cooperation of the regions last year, bilateral trade increased by more than a third, approaching $40 billion. In January-April the growth trend remained in place,” the Russian president noted.
"Russia and Belarus are not only key trade and investment partners. In terms of accumulated capital investments in the Belarusian economy, our country firmly holds the first place - more than $4 billion. In Belarus there are about 2,500companies with Russian participation. Unprecedented political and economic pressure from the so-called collective West is pushing us to accelerate the integration process. Together it is easier to minimize the damage from the illegal sanctions, to launch the production of in-demand goods, to develop new competences and to expand cooperation with friendly countries,” said Vladimir Putin.
In his words, the launch of promising programs aimed at industrial and technological upgrade is seen as a priority joint task. “Russia is ready to support a number of Belarusian investment projects designed to set up new and modernize operational manufacturing facilities in both countries. Of particular importance is further expansion of cooperation in the high-tech sector, where we already have many examples of successful interaction. This year Rosatom plans to complete the construction of Belarusian NPP in Grodno Oblast. Belarusian specialists will take part in the construction of the Vostochny Cosmodrome facilities in Amur Oblast,” the Russian president said.
“There is no doubt that Russia and Belarus are set to develop cooperation in agriculture and in supplying fertilizers and food to foreign markets. At our recent meeting with Aleksandr Grigoriyevich in St Petersburg we discussed this issue in detail, including the terms of use of transshipment facilities of the Russian terminal on the Baltic Sea for the export of Belarusian goods,” Vladimir Putin said.
The plenary session brought together heads of ministries and departments, government agencies, enterprises and organizations, representatives of business communities of Belarus and Russia.
