Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 9 April (BelTA) – Belarus is interested in bolstering interstate partnership with Iraq. Chairman of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus Mikhail Myasnikovich made the relevant statement as he met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iraq Ibrahim Al Jaafari on 9 April, BelTA has learned.

Mikhail Myasnikovich said: “We are truly interested in seeing Iraq as a strong and stable country. We are interested in stepping up interstate partnership and in implementing joint projects of mutual interest. I would like to assure you that Belarusian MPs will do their best for the successful development of trade, economic, humanitarian, and political contacts.”

In his words, the existing bilateral legal base is in need of an expansion. “It is particularly true with regard to the basic agreements that we are going to ratify in the parliament. Today a Belarusian-Iraqi agreement on the mutual protection of investments is in effect but it is also necessary to discuss the draft convention on avoiding double taxation as soon as possible. It is a vital instrument for our business community,” believes the head of the upper chamber of the Belarus parliament.

As far as trade cooperation is concerned, Mikhail Myasnikovich said he believes the relevant Belarusian-Iraqi commission should work harder to remove the barriers encountered in the course of implementation of various projects. Individual economic business projects may be initiated, too, he added.

The head of the upper chamber of the Belarus parliament said it is also necessary to expand cooperation in education, primarily in training basic-level personnel and top scientific personnel. “If Iraq desires it, we could train personnel using English as the language of instruction,” he remarked. Mikhail Myasnikovich also pointed out that it is possible to train personnel in both countries, with the relevant certificates issued.