ZHODINO, 8 October (BelTA) – Belarus and Russia are linked by strategic partnership and close cooperation ties, Chairman of the Board of the Belarusian public association Sister Cities, Chairman of the Council of Elders under the Presidium of the Council of the Republic Boris Batura said at the opening of the 10th meeting of sister cities of Belarus and Russia, BelTA has learned.
"Belarusians and Russians have something to defend together, to work together. This ‘together' is the key to our success," he said. “Our countries are linked by strategic partnership, allied relations, and close cooperation ties. We have a similar path of development, a common task: ensuring the peaceful and democratic development of our peoples, sustainable socio-economic growth."
In the pandemic 2020, the Belarus-Russia trade amounted to $29.5 billion. Export to Russia totaled $13.1 billion, import from Russia came at $16.4 billion. In h1 of this year, the indicators are even more convincing: export at $7.390 billion, import at $ 10.438 billion.
"We see how much importance the presidents of the two countries attach to our union. This also binds us together and obliges us to cooperate in all areas,” Boris Batura noted. "But we are even more connected by genetic kinship, our roots and destinies."
According to him, today is a time of serious tests for the entire civilized world. "But history gives our sister city movement a chance: to become stronger by supporting each other, by pooling our potentials," he said.
"The topic proposed for today's discussion, as always, is inclusive, like your work on the ground. We hope that during the discussion you will not only share your experience during the panel discussions but also offer new, interesting approaches to joint work, taking into account modern challenges and risks," Boris Batura emphasized.
