MINSK, 22 May (BelTA) – Belarus and Sweden are set to intensify cooperation in environmental protection and climate change mitigation. These matters were in focus of the meeting of Belarus' Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Andrei Khudyk with Minister for Environment and Climate and Deputy Prime Minister of Sweden Isabella Lovin, BelTA learned from the Belarusian Embassy in Sweden.
“The heads of the environmental protection agencies of the two countries agreed to step up cooperation in environmental protection and climate change mitigation. Belarus emphasized that it is carefully studying Sweden's practices in waste management, recycling and the use of waste in energy production. Belarus is particularly interested in the lessons the Swedish partners learned while looking for the most eco-friendly waste prevention and recycling methods as part of the circular economy concept,” the diplomatic mission informed. Belarus and Sweden will collaborate in achieving Sustainable Development Goals using such instruments as the Global Environment Facility and the Eastern Partnership initiative.
The Belarusian delegation led by Andrei Khudyk is visiting Sweden on 22-23 May. The delegation includes representatives of the Energy Ministry and the State Standardization Committee. The delegation met with the heads of the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA). The delegation is set to visit one of Stockholm's neighborhoods that is already implementing the smart city concept and to tour local energy companies and utilities enterprises.
Belarus and Sweden implement environmental protection projects sponsored by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency and non-governmental organizations, as well as nuclear safety projects.
In 2018, about 690 tonnes of highly toxic rocket fuel were removed from Belarus and disposed of with the help of Swedish partners. Sweden also helps upgrade water treatment facilities in Grodno and Brest.
