Opinions & Interviews

Belarus, Russia bring closer views on Union State Treaty implementation program

ST PETERSBURG, 17 July (BelTA) – Belarus and Russia have brought closer their views on the program of action to implement the Union State Foundation Treaty. Chairman of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus Mikhail Myasnikovich made the relevant statement as he met with Chairwoman of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation Valentina Matviyenko on 17 July, BelTA has learned.

Large groups representing interests of the governments will take part in the 6th Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia on 18 July. According to Mikhail Myasnikovich, they will discuss matters relating primarily to “filling the Union State Treaty through the updated program of action”. Mikhail Myasnikovich remarked that the relevant working groups had actually reconciled many views.

Mikhail Myasnikovich described the updated action program as a modern document. “It will be rather difficult to implement it without parliamentarians because matters concerning the unification and harmonization of Belarusian and Russian laws represent a common theme [in the action program],” the head of the upper chamber of the Belarusian parliament said. It is necessary to reconcile the legislation in order to dismantle existing barriers and prevent the emergence of new ones in the future, he added.

Mikhail Myasnikovich and Valentina Matviyenko discussed the agenda of the Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia, which focuses on youth policy to a considerable degree this year. Mikhail Myasnikovich pointed out that the draft of the final document is turning out to be very specific. He said it would not be easy to implement and would require extra effort.

Mikhail Myasnikovich and Valentina Matviyenko agreed that forums of regions had become systemic. They also agreed that this format of the work brings discipline and requires constant search for new approaches and ideas. The presidents of Belarus and Russia traditionally take part in the event, which is an honor and a responsibility.

BelTA reported earlier that the participation of the Belarusian and Russian heads of state in the plenary session on 18 July will be the high point of the forum. It will be dedicated to interregional ties as the foundation for forming common cultural and humanitarian space of the two countries.

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