Presidents of Belarus and Russia address participants of 10th Forum of Regions

Economy is the basis of any social processes. On the final day of the 10th Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia, the presidents of the two countries addressed the participants.

Alexander Lukashenko said: "Today there are no obstacles to cooperation. If any disputes arise, they are resolved promptly and constructively. And following the results of the previous forums of the regions commercial contracts totaling almost $5 billion were signed!

"Yes, the figures of trade statistics are encouraging. But it's too early to rest on our laurels. I am sure we are capable of doing more. It is necessary to increase the competitiveness of the two countries by deepening industrial cooperation, to solve the issues of specialization and import substitution, especially in microelectronics and other high-tech industries. "We should maximize interregional trade and develop transport and logistics corridors, as well as find additional drivers of integration processes," said the head of state.

The contact between the countries is very close. This year alone, 16 visits of heads of Russian regions to Belarus took place. Representatives of different spheres - politics, business, culture and science - take part in the development of solutions. This is the very same people's diplomacy, which is proving its effectiveness. The foundations are strong, and it opens up new prospects.