MINSK, 31 October (BelTA) – The harmonization of legislation and the advancement of manufacturing cooperation between Belarus and Russia in the field of military technology cooperation were discussed in Minsk, BelTA has learned.
The 25th session of the Belarusian-Russian intergovernmental commission on military technology cooperation took place in Minsk. Representatives of the defense industries of the two countries were present.
“Today we’ve discussed primarily matters relating to the harmonization of the legal framework concerning military technology cooperation between our countries. It is worth noting that we’ve secured serious accomplishments in this matter and steadily advance towards resolving the issues that would help simplify procedures for our enterprises. A protocol on amending the 2009 Belarusian-Russian agreement on military technology cooperation between our countries will be signed very soon. Let me remind you that a program on technological processes have been signed lately,” Chairman of the State Authority for Military Industry of Belarus Dmitry Pantus said after the session.
The official went on saying that a number of matters concerning manufacturing cooperation between Belarusian and Russian defense enterprises had been discussed during the session. “Solutions have been found for all the issues. They will facilitate primarily the advancement of our mutual relations. In my opinion, in the last few years manufacturing cooperation between Belarus and Russia in the field of defense technology has reached the highest level. One can say that essentially common defensive space of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus has been formed. It enhances the defensive capability of the Union State,” the chairman of the State Authority for Military Industry of Belarus stressed.
In his words, the operation algorithm of the defense industry changed seriously in the last few years. “From direct shipments we have moved on to manufacturing cooperation. A huge number of parts and components made in Belarus represent the core of the goods made in Russia and vice versa. We have very seriously advanced in aircraft manufacturing. Today Belarus ships quite a lot of products and components for aircraft manufacturing. The Oswey project and a number of other ones are in progress,” Dmitry Pantus remarked.
Speaking about the effect of sanctions on Belarus’ and Russia’ military technology cooperation, the official said that the two countries have had to deal with the sanctions for quite a long period of time. “Certainly, some things were difficult for us initially but the sanctions have allowed us to put more efforts into import substitution. It is an important component. Particularly in defense. Sanctions have provided an additional impulse for the development of the areas that have been underdeveloped in Russia and Belarus,” the official said.
Director of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation of Russia Dmitry Shugayev added that defense industry cooperation between the two states is based on mutual respect. “It gives confidence that we are moving in the right direction and we fulfill all the tasks set by the leaders of our states,” he concluded.
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