Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 12 September (BelTA) – Ukraine’s Ambassador to Belarus Igor Kizim expressed confidence in further dynamic development of economic cooperation with Belarus as he spoke at a function to mark the 27^th anniversary of the independence of Ukraine on 12 September, BelTA has learned.

According to the diplomat, Belarus and Ukraine maintain active dialogue at the governmental and regional levels. In his words, there is no other way for the country as to continue developing cooperation. In 2017 the Belarusian-Ukrainian trade reached $4.5 billion. In H1 2018 the mutual trade made up $2.4 billion (up 15%).

Ukraine is home to joint facilities assembling MTZ, MAZ and Gomselmash farm equipment. Cultural contacts have been gaining momentum, as demonstrated by the Ukrainian cultural days that were held in Belarus this summer.

For his part, Belarus’ Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrei Evdochenko drew attention to the importance of the first Forum of Regions of Belarus and Ukraine due in Gomel soon. He believes that the two states have a large untapped potential for cooperation. Andrei Evdochenko is convinced that the forum will give rise to new economic projects.

He also noted that dialogue between the presidents of the two countries is important for the development of Belarusian-Ukrainian relations. “We are optimistic about the future of Belarus-Ukraine relations,” he said.