Belarusian Grodno Oblast is preparing a cooperation agreement with the Republic of Tyva of Russia, Grodno Oblast Governor Vladimir Karanik told the media after a videoconference with the senior officials of the Republic of Tyva of the Russian Federation, BelTA has learned.
“We outlined a lot of areas for cooperation, for example, in the forestry industry. The Russian region has a lot of industrial wood and carefully studied Grodno Oblast's experience in timber processing. Joint projects will involve the enterprises that implemented similar projects in Grodno Oblast. They are also interested in our experience in rational forest management, restoration of the forest stock, including the one affected by fires, the renewability of the forest stock," Vladimir Karanik said.
The Republic of Tyva also showed interest in Grodno Oblast's best practices in processing of agricultural raw materials and agriculture, construction of dairy complexes, and crop production. "Mechanical engineering is in special focus. These are not only locally-made products but also those made in the Republic of Belarus. Transport, construction, secondary material treatment, overhaul of the housing stock are also among the promising avenues of cooperation studied," Vladimir Karanik added.
The governor stressed that many topics of mutual cooperation were raised during the videoconference in January. "Today's videoconference, the invitation of the Republic of Tyva to take part in the Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia and the reciprocal invitation to Grodno Oblast to visit the Russian region indicate that the potential of our cooperation is enormous. Our task now is to set all projects in motion as quickly as possible," he said.
It was also noted that the Republic of Tyva is the 26th Russian region with which Grodno Oblast has established cooperation. "In the wake of the recent events, cooperation between Belarus and Russia is of particular importance. The strength of this union is in the spiritual and historical closeness of our peoples, the same view of the events of the past and the same approach to the future of our countries," Vladimir Karanik added. He also expressed confidence that no matter how difficult it might be, cooperation between Belarus and Russia will be growing. "First of all, it meets the interests of our peoples, ensures the sustainability of economies and allows us to combine intellectual, natural, technological resources in order to be more independent, more developed and sustainable," Vladimir Karanik concluded.