Visits of Russia regional delegations contribute to economic, political contacts with Belarus

MINSK, 22 November (BelTA) - Visits of delegations of Russian regions are important for the development of economic and political contacts with Belarus, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko said as he met with Governor of Rostov Oblast, Russia, Mr Vasily Golubev, BelTA has learnt.

“Delegations of the Russian regions are welcome guests here, and not just because this cooperation is very advantageous for us or because we do not see the future of the Belarusian economy without Russia since much of it was dependent on Russia in old times. We do not see anything wrong about this. But nevertheless we need to ensure economic and hence political contacts. Your visits are very important and necessary for our country, "he said.

The Belarusian President noted that over the past three years Belarus and Rostov Oblast have increased the volume of bilateral trade. In January-September 2012, the mutual trade exceeded that of the past year. “With this dynamics remaining in place, we have every chance to beat the result of the pre-crisis year of 2008,” said Alexander Lukashenko.

However, as noted by the head of state, the potential of increasing the trade is not unlimited. “Therefore, in order not to lose the momentum, we must look at where we can cooperate most effectively, in what other areas except for trade we have hidden additional reserves for development of bilateral cooperation,” said Alexander Lukashenko.

The President of the Republic of Belarus considers that it is necessary to launch joint economically integrated projects and programs. "We need to make use, as they say now, of the synergy effect of combining our industrial, technological and intellectual resources,” the head of state noted.

According to the President, the economies of Belarus and Rostov Oblast are similar and complementary, which predetermines the most promising areas of cooperation. In particular, one of these areas is agriculture. “In agriculture we should consider explore the potential of joint infrastructure upgrade projects, advanced technologies of production and processing of agricultural products. To do this, we need to expand the interaction of agricultural scientists,” Alexander Lukashenko noted.

The head of state also believes that Belarusian companies could participate in roads construction programs, transport infrastructure, water supply and drainage systems projects, as well as in the construction of residential, social, cultural, sports and other facilities in Rostov Oblast.

“Rostov Oblast and Belarus have significant but still poorly used potential of cooperation in science and technology. Belarusian research organizations are ready to implement joint innovative and practical projects with Rostov colleagues,” the President said.

Alexander Lukashenko underlined that for Belarus Rostov Oblast is a longtime and reliable partner, with which the country is ready to develop relations in various fields. “For us, Rostov Oblast and cooperation with it is a special milestone. It should be noted that this cooperation is going quite well,” said Alexander Lukashenko.

The Belarusian President invited the delegation of Rostov Oblast to discuss the most promising areas of cooperation and to take appropriate action “so that these or those decisions are materialized very quickly and without delay.”