Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 14 February (BelTA) - Bilateral cooperation and prospects for strengthening inter-parliamentary ties were discussed at a meeting between Chairman of the Council of the Republic Mikhail Myasnikovich and Speaker of the House of Representatives Vladimir Andreichenko with Prime Minister of Turkey Binali Yildirim on 14 February, BelTA learned from the press service of the Council of the Republic.

“We intend to ensure the implementation of all our previously-made agreements. We have many common topics and issues for discussion. We welcome the intensification of inter-parliamentary cooperation and are looking forward to a visit of Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly Ismail Kahraman this May,” said Mikhail Myasnikovich.

The chairman of the Council of the Republic also paid attention to the development of cooperation between the two countries in the transport sector. “Our ministers have signed an agreement on international combined transportation of goods, which has good prospects. We also discussed maritime transportation. In November 2017, we agreed with Ukraine to support the Dnieper waterway in order to organize full-fledged river-sea traffic,” Mikhail Myasnikovich said. There is also a potential to develop the Belarusian-Turkish cooperation in air transportation.

The chairman of the Council of the Republic also views the partnership of Belarus and Turkey in the field of standardization as promising. “An important document has been signed in the sector. We need to move towards mutual recognition of standards. This will save our companies from unnecessary bureaucracy,” Mikhail Myasnikovich said.

Vladimir Andreichenko added that Belarus views Turkey as a reliable friend and an important partner. “We are pleased with the fact that the two countries have been steadily developing their relations. Your current visit is another important step in the development of political, trade, economic and investment ties between our states,” he added.

Binali Yildirim thanked for a warm welcome and noted that Turkey is interested in expanding cooperation with Belarus in many areas, including trade and economic sector, science, tourism, culture, youth policy. “We have made serious progress in developing cooperation between our countries and we can do much more,” the Turkish premier stressed. He expressed confidence that the forthcoming visit of the speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey to Belarus will make its contribution to the development of the bilateral ties.