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“In addition to 39 agreements that are planned for adoption there is a huge commercial component. We believe that at least $300 million worth of export and import contracts will be signed,” the Speaker said. In his words, it shows a strong basis in the trade and economic sector and proves that there are reserves which can be built on.

Mikhail Myasnikovich took note of a high-level representation at the ongoing event in the Belarusian capital. The Belarusian Speaker also assured that Belarus and Russia will do their best to meet the expectations from the Forum. “The Presidents of Belarus and Russia are expected to attend the event and this is a great honor and responsibility for us,” he said.

For her part, Valentina Matviyenko thanked for the warm welcome and noted the extensive organizational work which was carried out in the preparation of the forum. She noted that the Russian side is satisfied with the pace of development of bilateral strategic partnership, the formation of the Union State. The Federation Council Speaker said that the leaders of the two countries keep regular contact. There is close cooperation between the governments and Prime Ministers, the Ministries of Foreign Affairs. As regards the parliaments, they work together, both bilaterally and within the framework of the Union State where there is an opportunity to share experiences in legislative work, to work towards further harmonization of legislation and create a legislative and legal environment for the implementation of agreements negotiated at the highest levels.

“Interregional links have become a regular thing in the bilateral ties. Interregional cooperation provides real results in various fields. This format is very efficient,” Valentina Matviyenko said.

The goal of the 3rd Belarus-Russia Forum of Regions in Minsk is to boost regional cooperation and promote direct contacts between enterprises and organizations in the social, economic, scientific, educational, cultural, humanitarian and other areas. Belagro 2016 expo co-located with the forum will bring together more than 500 companies from 20 countries. A plenary session “Coherent social and economic policy in the Union State: achievements, problems, solutions and prospects” will be held on the second day the forum. Attending the forum are representatives of 40 Russian regions, including 13 governors, four vice governors, three chairpersons of the legislative assemblies.