Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 14 November (BelTA) – Belarus is interested in mutually beneficial cooperation in geological prospecting with other countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States, Belarus’ Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Andrei Khmel said at the opening of the 22nd session of the CIS Intergovernmental Council for Exploration, Use and Protection of Subsoil on 14 November, BelTA has learned.

Andrei Khmel took over chairmanship in the intergovernmental council on 14 November. Addressing the participants of the session, he assured that Belarus will invest every effort in maintaining efficient operation of the council. “Taking into consideration the importance of exploring natural resources and raising their attractiveness, Belarus is interested in mutually beneficial cooperation with the CIS member states, including contacts within the framework of the intergovernmental council. We have always been and remain open for cooperation. I am convinced that this session will give another impetus to strengthening cooperation between the geological services of our countries,” Andrei Khmel noted.

“In the conditions of dynamic economic growth, the countries are facing even bigger challenges related to discovery of new deposits. Their exploration, comprehensive and safe use, as well as subsoil protection are priorities of the geological services of the CIS member states, as they help maintain economic security of our states and the well-being of our peoples,” Andrei Khmel said as he welcomed the participants of the forum.

The CIS Intergovernmental Council for Exploration, Use and Protection of Subsoil is a CIS intergovernmental body set up in March 1997 in line with the cooperation agreement in studying, prospecting and using mineral resources. The intergovernmental council closely cooperates with the CIS Executive Committee and other agencies of the Commonwealth. A representative of the country that hosts a session of the CIS intergovernmental council is appointed chairman of the intergovernmental council and acts in this capacity till the next session of the council.