Natalia Kochanova: Russia remains our strategic partner

Russia is still our strategic partner. This was stated by Natalia Kochanova, the Chairperson of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus, during a meeting of the organizing committee for the preparation and holding of the 10th Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia. According to the speaker of the upper house of parliament, the issues, which today have to be solved in the two countries, are consonant. In the context of sanctions, our countries have become even closer. So, an anniversary Forum of Belarusian and Russian regions will be held on June 26-28 in Ufa. An extensive program is planned. It will include a business part, as well as an exhibition of achievements of the national economy. First of all, it will feature the products of joint Russian-Belarusian enterprises. The emphasis will be placed on the development of integration between the youth of the two countries. The number of sections will be increased to ten this year. They plan to discuss the topical issues such as the creation of joint ventures, and production of import-substituting products.

Natalia Kochanova, Chairperson of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus:

“The main issue in the integration is the economy. And undoubtedly, the main component in our holding this event is the signing of contracts and agreements. Last year we signed contracts and agreements for 65 billion Russian rubles or 2.5 billion Belarusian rubles. We expect that this year we will sign as many contracts and agreements on cooperation with the Russian Federation. This work is ongoing throughout the year.”

The IX Forum of Regions was held in Grodno. A great number of contracts was signed - about 70. In total, Belarus and Russia concluded contracts worth nearly $3 billion and about 400 agreements on cooperation during the Forum.