Opinions & Interviews

GOMEL, 26 October (BelTA) - The empowerment of local authorities in Ukraine contribute to the development of cooperation with Belarus at the level of regions, Ukrainian Ambassador to Belarus Igor Kizim said at the 1st Forum of Regions of Belarus and Ukraine, BelTA has learned.

“The process of decentralization is in progress. Regions are getting more rights at the local level, more responsibility and, most importantly, more funds. These are the tools that can be used for interregional cooperation. Local authorities figure out themselves how to put them to the best use,” the ambassador said.

He noted that the Ukrainian regions have more than half of the total volume of financial resources at their disposal.

With regard to the 1st Forum of Regions in Gomel, Igor Kizim expressed confidence that it would make a significant contribution to the development of interregional cooperation.

He also suggested making the forum a regular event and holding it alternately in Belarus and Ukraine.