Volodymyr Lytvyn, Chairman of the
Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, met Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
Belarus to Ukraine Valentyn Velychko.
The Parties discussed the state and perspectives of bilateral Ukrainian-Belarusian relations, namely, their parliamentary component.
"We expect intensification of the inter-parliamentary dialogue, and strengthening of cooperation between the friendship groups, committees and deputy factions", V. Lytvyn emphasized. "Our states have a great potential for cooperation in line of executive power."
The Ambassador agreed with the Head of the Ukrainian Parliament as to the necessity of fostering the bilateral inter-parliamentary cooperation. He confirmed the intentions of the Belarusian Party to restore the inter-state relations in the trade-economic sphere that existed in 2008 and totaled USD 5 billion. The positive dynamics in this sphere was mentioned: according to V. Velychko, the trade turnover between the Republic of Belarus and Ukraine increased by USD 1,5 billion. Furthermore, the Parties focused on the formation and sustainable operation of numerous enterprises, active development of the cross-border cooperation, economic collaboration between several regions, trade turnover between the neighbouring areas of Ukraine and Belarus that makes up 27% of the total turnover of Belarus.
V. Lytvyn declared, "Actual results of economic cooperation make up the essential aspect of inter-state cooperation."
Moreover, V. Velychko informed the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine about the internal political situation in Belarus after the recent presidential elections.