According to Andrei Shevchenko, the humanitarian, economic, and political mechanisms of Belarus-Russia cooperation contribute to the development of Union State regions. «This is evidenced by economic growth, the development of science, education, and culture in our countries and regions. One of the proven tools is cooperation agreements between regions, districts, and municipalities of Belarus and Russia. The positive dynamics of bilateral relations continue thanks to industrial cooperation and import-substitution programs. At the same time, mutual trade has shifted from simply increasing volumes to qualitative changes in structure, driven by the policy of technological sovereignty pursued by both countries,» he emphasized.

He noted that 250 cooperation agreements are currently in force between Belarusian authorities and public authorities of Russian regions, along with hundreds of direct contracts, including at the regional level.

«At the 12th Forum of Regions, 111 cooperation documents were signed. The leading Russian partners include Moscow Oblast, Smolensk Oblast, Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, as well as Moscow and St. Petersburg. For example, Moscow is home to 328 specialized retail outlets selling Belarusian goods. The city’s public services use Belarus-made road-maintenance equipment; Belarusian elevators and buses are well known there. In Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, the joint venture Bishkektrans produces modern electric transport: its trams and electric buses are already operating on our routes,» Andrei Shevchenko said.