MOSCOW, 28 June (BelTA) – Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to Russia Dmitry Krutoi held a series of meetings with governors of Russian regions on the sidelines of the 10th Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia in Ufa, the press service of the Belarusian diplomatic mission told BelTA.
The implementation of previous agreements was discussed in detail with Governor of Novosibirsk Oblast Andrei Travnikov, including agreements reached during a visit of Prime Minister of Belarus Roman Golovchenko to Novosibirsk. The sides discussed deliveries of Belarusian agricultural machines and equipment for dairy farms, a project for modernizing tram bogies, and the operation of passenger transport in the region.
Novosibirsk is Russia’s third largest city and Siberia’s trade gateway. The governor reaffirmed interest in the development of Belarusian multibrand shops in the region. A direct flight to Minsk was mentioned. Work on organizing the flight continues. The schedule and the agenda of contacts that will be held at various levels in the near future were also discussed.
Dmitry Krutoi met with Governor of Astrakhan Oblast Igor Babushkin to discuss logistics, transportation and the expansion of usage of Astrakhan Oblast ports for Belarusian export. Volumes are on the rise. Previously agreed discounts on transportation by rail are in effect. A project is being implemented in the gas and chemical industry. A new microdistrict is being built in Astrakhan. “It is named as Tyoply [warm], which is symbolical for our relations,” the press service stated.
Chairman of the Mogilev Oblast Executive Committee Anatoly Isachenko also took part in the meeting with the Astrakhan Oblast governor. Tight ties were established between the Belarusian region and the Russian one a long time ago. Upon his initiative the sides discussed sales of furniture in Astrakhan Oblast and the removal of intermediaries from deliveries of Belarusian food. Direct fish deliveries were mentioned when the conversation touched upon agricultural matters. The governor was grateful for Belarus’ assistance with seed procurement after the withdrawal of Western suppliers. Common projects are also developing in the field of patriotic education. More and more sightseeing tours are offered to young citizens.
Dmitry Krutoi also held negotiations with Head of Russia’s Mari El Republic Yuri Zaitsev. Belarus’ trade turnover with Mari El Republic is small for now, which means there is a significant potential for growth. The sides discussed interaction in deliveries of agricultural machines and their maintenance. They agreed that the region needs a dedicated dealership. Matters of crop farming and animal husbandry were discussed. The Mari El Republic representatives expressed interest in buying Belarusian passenger vehicles. The ambassador suggested they should consider Belarusian technologies for water purification and water treatment for the sake of modernizing the relevant infrastructure in the region. The tourist potential of the sides was discussed. Belarus is ready to share recipes for promoting tourism, the press service of the Belarusian diplomatic mission said.
Dmitry Krutoi and Yuri Zaitsev agreed to discuss all the sketched-out projects at a session of the working group in charge of advancing cooperation. The ambassador invited the Mari El Republic head to visit Belarus.