Opinions & Interviews

VITEBSK, 17 May (BelTA) – There are great opportunities to boost interregional ties between Belarus and Ukraine, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Belarus Igor Kizim told BelTA during the 7^th international economic forum Innovations. Investments. Prospects in Vitebsk.

According to the diplomat, regional decentralization processes are in full swing in Ukraine now. Regions received a bigger say in financial decision-making as regards to promising projects. “Therefore, it seems only logical to ramp up bilateral contacts at the level of cities and regions. That inspired us to suggest holding the first Ukraine-Belarus forum that will take place in Gomel in autumn this year,” the ambassador informed.

According to Igor Kizim, regions should become independent partners whose close cooperation will contribute to economic growth of the two nations. “In this regard, we are set to step up the twin-town program. We suggest finding a Ukrainian twin town for Vitebsk. I will talk about it with the Vitebsk mayor. The same is being done for Brest, Brest Oblast, and Gomel. We will be happy about any initiatives coming from the Vitebsk Oblast Executive Committee and districts of Vitebsk Oblast,” the diplomat underlined.

In early April a cooperation agreement was signed in Minsk between the Association of Ukrainian Cities and Belarus’ public association Twinned Towns. This agreement sets out guidelines for promoting bilateral ties. “Our task now is to bring Ukrainian regions closer to Belarusian regions,” the diplomat concluded.