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MINSK, 11 September (BelTA) – Russia’s Novosibirsk is interested in strengthening cooperation with Minsk in transport and in housing and utilities services, Novosibirsk Mayor Anatoly Lokot said as he met with Minsk Mayor Andrei Shorets in Minsk Town Hall on 11 September, BelTA has learned.

“Our cities are similar in population size. This is why we are interested in promoting cooperation in transport, major building renovations, street cleaning, ecology, and the comfort of living,” Anatoly Lokot remarked.

He underlined that Minsk and Novosibirsk have gained considerable experience of humanitarian and cultural cooperation since they signed a twinning agreement. Their economic relations have been developing rapidly, too. For instance, BKM-Siberia, the joint venture of Belkommunmash and Novosibirsk, operates in the city and modernizes tram cars. “The first trams rolled out using the Belarusian technology have entered the passenger service in Novosibirsk. The residents commend these vehicles. This is a promising avenue of further cooperation,” the Russian mayor remarked. He specified that the joint company has manufactured three trams so far. It plans to produce 12 more by the year-end.

Novosibirsk also wants to keep buying MAZ buses from Minsk which have gained a good reputation in the Siberian region. Bearing this in mind, the official delegation of Novosibirsk plans to hold a round of talks with the manufacturers of this equipment.

Anatoly Lokot also offered Andrei Shorets to consider expanding cooperation in light aircraft. Air transport efficiency remains a relevant matter. Anatoly Lokot spoke about the possibility of upgrading widespread AN-2 light planes and turning them into cutting-edge aircraft. The important thing is that this offer can benefit both sides.

The two mayors also touched upon the cooperation between the Belarusian National Academy of Sciences and the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

The guests from Novosibirsk took part in the celebration marking Minsk's 950th anniversary. Anatoly Lokot invited the Minsk delegation to attend the celebrations of the 125th anniversary of Novosibirsk in 2018.

Minsk and Novosibirsk signed a twinning agreement in 2012.