Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia hailed as great tool to build contacts

“Each Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia is an important and much anticipated event. This is a real platform to promote friendly relations between our states; it is also a powerful tool to build long-term contacts,” Oleg Dyachenko said.

According to him, such form of cooperation has long shown its effectiveness. “The topic of today's forum is very relevant for our states. A lot has already been done to strengthen academic contacts between Belarus and Russia. Most regions of Belarus and Russia participate in joint educational and scientific projects; 1,821 international cooperation agreements were signed; work continues to improve educational services of the Republic of Belarus; the number of joint programs is growing; distance learning is gaining ground; the most advanced IT solutions are being incorporated into practice,” the senator noted.

“Last year, 119 teachers from Belarusian higher learning institutions undertook training at institutions and organizations of the Russian Federation, while 259 specialists from Russia's leading universities were invited to give lectures at Belarusian universities. Belarusian and Russian scientists set up joint research and production centers. Currently, a roadmap in fundamental research is in the works. I want to emphasize that our countries have significant educational potential, which allows us to maintain leading positions in the world in many areas of education,” Oleg Dyachenko added.

The 9th Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia “The role of interregional cooperation in deepening the integration processes of the Union State kicked off in Grodno on 30 June. The forum opened at 9:00 with six sessions: “The Union State legislation: Current state and main directions for further convergence”, “Belarus-Russia cooperation in the context of the new international climate agenda”, “Belarus-Russia cooperation in the agro-industrial complex as an essential factor in maintaining food security of the Union State”, “Belarus-Russia common science and technology space as a factor in ensuring global competitiveness and security of the Union State”, “Integration of the higher education system of Russia and Belarus: Regional Aspect”, “Effective import substitution in the Union State: Projects, incentives, coordination”.

In the afternoon, the Presidium of the Youth Council (Parliament) at the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus will hold a joint meeting with the Council of the Chamber of Young Legislators at the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation. The Belarus-Russia Business Council will hold a meeting to discuss the most pressing issues of bilateral cooperation. The meeting of the Inter-Parliamentary Commission on Interregional Cooperation of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus and the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation will also be held on 30 June.