Opinions & Interviews

The Speaker noted that Belarus is part of the Eurasian Economic Union and assured of the readiness to assist Slovakia in advancing to the market of this integration association. “We are ready to be a platform for advancing the interests of your businesses not only in the market of the Eurasian Economic Union but also in third countries,” he said. According to Vladimir Andreichenko, this will help strengthen trade and economic cooperation between the two countries, increase mutual trade, which amounted to about $170 million in 2015, which was way below the trade in 2011.

The Chairman of the House of Representatives considers it necessary to develop interregional cooperation, establish investment cooperation and set up joint ventures. For example, one joint venture to assemble tractors already operates in Slovakia. Its products are finding their way to European markets.

Speaking of inter-parliamentary cooperation between Belarus and Slovakia, Vladimir Andreichenko spoke for its revitalization, including in international organizations. Now the two countries work constructively in the OSCE PA. Heads of delegations regularly meet during the annual sessions of the organization. Vladimir Andreichenko said that on 11 September Belarus will hold the parliamentary elections and invited Slovakia to take part in them as part of the OSCE/ODIHR international observation mission. He expressed the hope that the findings of the observation mission will be objective and unbiased.

Vladimir Andreichenko also welcomed the efforts of Slovakia to normalize the relations between the European Union and Belarus.

The Speaker also considers it necessary to bolster ties in culture and tourism more actively, and exchange the days of culture.

In turn, Jozef Migas spoke in favor of the efficient work of the parliamentary friendship groups in the National Assembly of Belarus and the National Council of Slovakia.