Rachkov: Union State becoming certain alternative to Western integration models

25 years ago, Belarus and Russia took a course on building a unique integration model.

In December 1999, the countries signed an agreement on the creation of the Union State. The document secured the strategic choice of the two powers, and over a quarter of a century we have achieved significant results.

Interregional and cross-border cooperation, state policy in the sphere of culture, ensuring military security and defense, and the foundation of integration - the economy - were discussed by representatives of the parliamentary assembly during the Moscow-Minsk video bridge.

"Thanks to this unity, we have managed to solve many economic problems. Trade turnover between our countries has increased significantly. It has amounted to more than 50 billion dollars. The services sector and the sphere of investment cooperation continue to develop very actively, - said Sergey Rachkov, Chairman of the Parliamentary Assembly Committee on International Affairs, Migration Policy and Relations with Compatriots. - In fact, the Union State is becoming a certain alternative to Western integration models."

Viktor Nikolaykin, Chairman of the Parliamentary Assembly Committee on Economic Policy:

"Today, our relevant ministries have already agreed on 31 action plans that we must implement with you by 2026. And according to reports from the relevant ministries, work in this direction is already underway, and about a sixth of these measures have already been implemented. Today, our GDP growth is at least 2 to 4 percent and higher."

Also, attention is paid to issues of developing the powers of the Parliamentary Assembly, harmonizing the legislation of the two countries and the environmental agenda. Five union programs have been implemented in contaminated areas after the Chernobyl accident. There is also an emphasis on ensuring hydrometeorological safety in the context of climate change. Belarus has developed a program for the next five years.

Zhanna Chernyavskaya, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Assembly Committee on Natural Resources, Ecology and Environmental Protection:

"Climate change issues are precisely the topic, the fact that has already happened. Climate change, of course, affects such areas as forestry and agriculture to a greater extent. And, of course, we must protect ourselves and be prepared. The Republic of Belarus has begun discussing a national action plan for adaptation to climate change."

As for the position of the Union State on the world stage, the two countries, as part of different international organizations, promote common ideas, including in building a multi-polar world.