By Alexei Adashkin: The large-scale event will be attended by the Presidents of Belarus and Russia. Alexander Lukashenko will address forum participants and then meet with Vladimir Putin.
All the participants of the Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia have gathered today at the Palace of the Republic for a plenary session. The first such large-scale conference, which took place two years ago in Minsk, was dedicated to the agricultural policy, the second, held last September in Sochi, was industry-focused. The main theme of this year’s forum is the development of the social sphere and economic issues.
The regional forum was in due time initiated by the upper chambers of the Parliaments of Belarus and Russia. Therefore, the discussion in the Palace of the Republic is moderated by Chairman of the Council of the Republic Mikhail Myasnikovich and head of the Federation Council Valentina Matviyenko.
The Minsk forum is being attended by delegates from 43 Russian regions. Among them are 13 governors and 3 Prime Ministers. Some of them have arrived in Belarus for the first time. Yesterday, they visited Belarus’ industrial, educational, agricultural and cultural facilities and familiarised themselves with the best Belarusian products.
The forum is expected to result in the signing of contracts. According to preliminary estimates, the total worth of the commercial agreements could exceed 300 million dollars.
The Presidents of the two countries are scheduled to arrive in the Palace of the Republic today. For Alexander Lukashenko and Vladimir Putin, this will be the fourth meeting since the beginning of the year. As repeatedly stressed by the forum participants, it is the joint efforts of the two countries that helped mitigate the effects of fluctuations in foreign markets. Interregional cooperation, which is commonly referred to as the foundation of the relationship, is likely to become the driving force for mutual economy.
Preliminary results of the forum will soon be announced by Mikhail Myasnikovich and Valentina Matviyenko.












