Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 20 November (BelTA) – Members of the Belarusian parliament are intent on tight cooperation with the Georgian parliament. Chairman of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus Vladimir Andreichenko made the statement as he met with Chairman of the Georgian Parliament Irakli Kobakhidze on 20 November, BelTA has learned.

Vladimir Andreichenko noted the visit of the Georgian delegation was important because it was the first parliamentary visit of such a magnitude in the history of the bilateral relations. “Belarusian MPs are intent on tight cooperation with the Georgian parliament,” said the speaker.

In his opinion, a lot of work needs to be done to advance cooperation in various spheres. More vigorous contacts via the friendship groups previously established in the two parliaments will facilitate it among other things. Vladimir Andreichenko said he believes that the heads of the friendship groups could put together roadmaps and plan their work using the roadmaps in order to establish tighter cooperation.

Speaking about trade and economic relations, Vladimir Andreichenko pointed out that positive dynamics had been secured in these matters lately. He did not rule out that Belarus-Georgia trade may reach $100 million in 2017. “Our cooperation has reached the stage when we have to determine some large-scale project, around which cooperation will flourish,” noted the head of the lower chamber of the Belarusian parliament.

Vladimir Andreichenko went on saying that despite the geographical distance between the two countries Belarus keeps an eye on the changes going on Georgia and the country’s rising authority in the international scene.

The delegation of the Georgian parliament is in Belarus on 20-22 November. The Georgian MPs are expected to visit the automobile engineering company BelAZ, the agricultural company Agrokombinat Snov, and the Hi-Tech Park. A meeting with professors and students of the Belarusian State University will be arranged. The parliaments of Belarus and Georgia are expected to sign a joint statement as a result of the visit.