12.06.2012
Prospects for Belarus-Lithuania regional cooperation praised as excellent
MINSK, 12 June (BelTA) - The results of the first Belarusian-Lithuanian forum for regional cooperation let us look into the future of the bilateral relations with optimism, Press Secretary of the Belarusian Embassy in Lithuania German Puzyrny said in the course of the roundtable “Belarus and Lithuania: current state and prospects of cooperation”.
German Puzyrny drew attention to the fact that in recent years, despite many political aspects, the bilateral trade between Belarus and Lithuania has been on the rise. In 2011, it reached a record high of $1.2 billion, and in the first four months of 2012 it made up $500 million. “This is an important indicator, which characterizes the relations between our countries. Lithuania and Belarus should develop together. Our historical, cultural and human links cannot be broken,” German Puzyrny believes.
He noted the importance of the three international forums attended by Belarus and Lithuania. The most significant of these was the first Belarusian-Lithuanian forum for regional cooperation held in Molodechno in June. “The results of the forum are meaningful. They let us be optimistic about the future,” said German Puzyrny.
Lithuania was represented by delegations of 35 cities and districts headed by mayors and vice mayors of regional administrations, members of the Seimas, heads of leading business associations, representatives of the media (about 150 people). The Belarusian delegation was composed of senior officials of the national and regional administration bodies, delegations of the regions and the city of Minsk, representatives of the business community (over 100 people).
The participants of the forum were able to share experience in the implementation of joint projects in the processing industry, logistics, and tourism. A communiquй was adopted and four bilateral international documents on cooperation in various areas were signed at the forum.
According to Deputy Chairman of the Economy Committee of the Minsk Oblast Executive Committee Elena Sushkevich, Lithuanian businessmen were interested in the products of Molodechno Pipe Plant. They also showed interest in thermal engineering, construction of mini CHP plants, sports and entertainment centers.
Elena Sushkevich expressed confidence that the Belarusian-Lithuanian regional cooperation forum will be held on a regular basis. The next forum is due to take place in Alytus and Druskininkai in 2013.
German Puzyrny drew attention to the fact that in recent years, despite many political aspects, the bilateral trade between Belarus and Lithuania has been on the rise. In 2011, it reached a record high of $1.2 billion, and in the first four months of 2012 it made up $500 million. “This is an important indicator, which characterizes the relations between our countries. Lithuania and Belarus should develop together. Our historical, cultural and human links cannot be broken,” German Puzyrny believes.
He noted the importance of the three international forums attended by Belarus and Lithuania. The most significant of these was the first Belarusian-Lithuanian forum for regional cooperation held in Molodechno in June. “The results of the forum are meaningful. They let us be optimistic about the future,” said German Puzyrny.
Lithuania was represented by delegations of 35 cities and districts headed by mayors and vice mayors of regional administrations, members of the Seimas, heads of leading business associations, representatives of the media (about 150 people). The Belarusian delegation was composed of senior officials of the national and regional administration bodies, delegations of the regions and the city of Minsk, representatives of the business community (over 100 people).
The participants of the forum were able to share experience in the implementation of joint projects in the processing industry, logistics, and tourism. A communiquй was adopted and four bilateral international documents on cooperation in various areas were signed at the forum.
According to Deputy Chairman of the Economy Committee of the Minsk Oblast Executive Committee Elena Sushkevich, Lithuanian businessmen were interested in the products of Molodechno Pipe Plant. They also showed interest in thermal engineering, construction of mini CHP plants, sports and entertainment centers.
Elena Sushkevich expressed confidence that the Belarusian-Lithuanian regional cooperation forum will be held on a regular basis. The next forum is due to take place in Alytus and Druskininkai in 2013.