During a meeting with the Governor of the Moscow Region, Andrey Vorobyov, Alexander Lukashenko noted the need to create a solid foundation for further development of cooperation. He proposed developing interaction in the following areas:

President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, during a meeting with Governor of the Moscow Region of Russia Andrey Vorobyov, identified promising areas for the development of cooperation, a BELTA correspondent reports.

The Head of State noted the high level of mutual trade with the Moscow Region, primarily due to the region's specific location, which serves as a kind of hub for further supplies to other Russian regions.

"Dealership and trade are good. But they are too dependent on the current market conditions," the President remarked. "You, as an experienced person, know well that the task of any leader is to create guarantees of employment and well-being for people. For these purposes, we need a serious foundation in the form of producing our own high value-added products at joint ventures."

Alexander Lukashenko named a number of specific areas where there are prospects for development and strengthening of interaction.

"First. You are actively involved in road construction and public utilities (amazingly actively involved). I am informed that in the current and next year you intend to invest significant funds in updating the fleet and acquiring Belarusian-made equipment. Our specialists will, in the near future, together with you, determine the necessary specifications, and I give

The third area is service, spare parts supply, warranty, and financial instruments. "We have extensive experience in Russia in these areas. But with the help of your region, we would like to establish a solid foothold by creating a serious service and logistics hub for this part of the Russian Federation," the Belarusian leader explained.

Medical services and rehabilitation are the next areas of mutual interest for both sides, as stated by the President. "You have shown interest in this topic. You can count on us," the Belarusian leader addressed the meeting participants. Many Moscow residents and residents of the capital region have already visited Belarusian health resorts and used the services of medical institutions. "We will continue to maintain this level," emphasized Alexander Lukashenko. At the same time, the head of state drew attention to the accessibility of medical devices and medicines from a price perspective. "We need to ensure that the cost of components, if we are talking about medical equipment, and services does not burden the pockets of ordinary people," the President stressed. However, currently in Russia, certification costs for medical devices are significantly, several times higher than, for example, in the EAEU. According to the President, he has instructed the Ambassador of Belarus to Russia, Dmitry Krutoy, to work on this issue.

Development of cooperative ties and creation of new production chains for import substitution is the fifth area that was discussed. For the Moscow region, import substitution is a priority, with over 200 projects at various stages of implementation in the region, with a total investment volume of about 200 billion Russian rubles.

These tasks are also of paramount importance for the Belarusian economy, Alexander Lukashenko noted. "We have accumulated good experience in this regard. We discuss these issues very often with the President of the Russian Federation. And I am pleased to note that perhaps we are working best of all (in terms of import substitution development - BELTA's note) with the Moscow region," he said.

Cooperation in the agricultural sector is also among the promising areas of joint activity. According to Alexander Lukashenko, Belarus and the Moscow region can successfully complement each other in the agro-industrial complex: "We just need to identify the most promising topics."

It is no secret that Belarus is among the world leaders in the export of meat and dairy products. The country is constantly modernizing its enterprises, and modern technologies and equipment are being introduced into production.

"We have opportunities to assist in the development of your meat and dairy, and dairy cattle breeding production, supply of elite seeds of Belarusian selection, high-yield feed and premixes, as well as fertilizers," the President proposed. "I know that you have companies that are very successful in this regard, and their experience will be very important for us."

The Head of State also noted the significant potential for the participation of builders in the implementation of projects in housing, social infrastructure, and road construction. "Our enterprises are ready to offer not only construction services but also equipment," he emphasized.

"The Moscow Region possesses one of the largest scientific and technical complexes in Russia, and Belarus is interested in expanding cooperation on various issues of scientific and technical activities," Alexander Lukashenko outlined another area. "I think we could form a plan for scientific and technical cooperation, or, as it is fashionable to say, a roadmap for interaction between our National Academy of Sciences and the Moscow Region."

In addition, the Head of State mentioned the development of cultural and humanitarian ties, and work with youth. "I am convinced that for the sake of the future of our peoples, we must provide all opportunities for communication and mutual travel for Belarusian and Russian youth," the President emphasized. "To unite the younger generation through joint events and long-term projects. I think you will agree with me that in the current realities, this is more relevant than ever."

In conclusion, the Head of State declared the readiness of the Belarusian side for an open, substantive dialogue on all the issues raised: "I want to assure you: if we reach agreements on any issues, there will be no slowdown or retreat from these agreements."

According to the President, the Moscow Region is extremely important for Belarus. After all, it is not only the largest region in Russia but also a significant hub for the implementation of supplies to all other Russian regions.

Source: belta.by