/ / News
12.03.2012

Belarus-Russia defense cooperation praised

MINSK, 12 March (BelTA) – Defense is one of the most developed avenues of cooperation between Belarus and Russia, Grigory Rapota, State Secretary of the Union State of Belarus and Russia, said on 12 March.

According to the official, the area of defense is an example to follow. Grigory Rapota said he had met with Belarusian Defense Minister Yuri Zhadobin earlier that day. The meeting was fact-finding. “The talk was rather sincere… The wishes that we will take into account were expressed,” explained the State Secretary.

Besides, asked about the possibility of the Constitution Act of the Union State getting passed, Grigory Rapota remarked: “Its absence is not a hindrance for our development. We may develop slower than the pace the Constitution Act would enable, but nevertheless, we have many areas of cooperation that we can develop”.

Speaking about economic cooperation, Grigory Rapota remarked a lot was being done in the legal field. Besides, there are real programs. According to the State Secretary, the existing mechanism for launching programs is rather unwieldy. “While we are busy adjusting programs, the world has moved on”. Besides, within the framework of the Union State there are joint projects as a potential area of cooperation. Grigory Rapota remarked he had discussed the matter with the Belarusian prime minister and heads of various agencies of the two states. The State Secretary believes this format of cooperation can be advanced with assistance of private business. There is more to it than privatization, he said. Cooperation may involve some manufacturing cooperation ties.

Grigory Rapota also touched upon industrial development of the two countries. Russian enterprises successfully cooperate with Belarusian partners in several areas, for instance, mechanical engineering.

Asked about possible influence of problems in Belarus-EU relations on the Union State, Grigory Rapota said: “So far I have felt no negative influence on our cooperation”. He also remarked Belarus and Russia have certain ally responsibilities, including those relevant for the foreign policy of the countries. However, Belarus is a sovereign country with multiple vector interests.

Speaking about G3 integration within the framework of the Customs Union and the Eurasian Union, Grigory Rapota remarked the role of the Union State has to be revised. The relevant analytical work is in progress. The results indicate the Union State has advanced very far in military sphere, healthcare, pensions, and customs affairs while the G3 still has a long way to go. The State Secretary said he was confident the Union State experience will be used in the Customs Union.