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Official visits and working contacts
The Speaker of the Council of the Republic met with a parliamentary delegation of the Islamic Republic of Iran
On December 15, 2005 Mr. Gennady Novitsky, Chairman of the National Assembly Council of the Republic met with a parliamentary delegation of the Islamic Republic of Iran headed by the Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly Mr. Gholamali Haddad Adel. Present at the meeting also were members of the National Assembly Council of the Republic Presidium Ms. Natalya Andreychik, Mr. Anatoly Novikov, Mr. Stepan Pisarevich, Mr. Nikolai Cherginets as well as Deputy Speaker of the Belarus National Assembly House of Representatives Mr. Sergei Zabolotets. 
The parties discussed the status of the Belarus-Iran inter-parliamentary relations, the development of political dialogue and the expansion of trade and economic cooperation. Mr. Gennady Novitsky said that the relations between Belarus and Iran are developing at a normal pace both on a bilateral level and within the framework of different international organisations. He also said that views held by Belarusian and Iranian authorities on the basic issues of international agenda are very similar.
 The leaders of the two parliaments specifically dwelt on the trade and economic potential existing between the two states to allow for a further development of bilateral ties. They also agreed that the relations between the two parliaments may be enhanced by fully employing the possibilities of the friendship and cooperation groups established in the legislatures.
Senator Nikolai Cherginets met with a delegation of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan National Assembly
On November 14, 2005 the leader of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus Working group on cooperation with the National Assembly of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan,  Chairman of the Standing Committee for Foreign Affairs and National Security of the Council of the Republic Mr. Nikolai Cherginets had a meeting with a Jordanian parliamentary delegation headed by Mohammad Bani Hani, member of two parliamentary Committees of the House of Representatives of the Jordan National Assembly — for Education, Culture and Youth as well as for Agriculture and Irrigation. 
Opening the meeting Mr. Cherginets expressed condolences to the Jordanian delegation in connection with the recent terrorist attacks perpetrated in Amman. He said: “Terrorism has no borders. All countries must unite to give rebuff to this appalling phenomenon of the present day”.
The Belarusian senator noted that economic and parliamentary relations between Belarus and Jordan are only going through an initial stage and there is much to be done to strengthen these relations. He stressed, in particular, the need for an exchange of visits at a high parliamentary level with an eventual signing of a cooperation agreement.
The leader of the Jordanian parliamentary delegation briefed the Belarusian side on the history of establishment of his State and its parliamentarism. He also emphasized that apart from the recent terrorist suicide bombings, Jordan is a politically stable country having an adequate legal framework for mutually beneficial economic exchange with other countries and aimed at attracting foreign investments. 
Mr. Cherginets welcomed the idea of establishing the post of an Honourary Consul of Jordan in the Republic of Belarus and suggested that the Parliaments of Jordan and Belarus pass relevant legislation to encourage the launching of joint ventures in such fields as maintenance service of tractors, trucks or supply of bottom ooze.
Chairman of the Council of the Republic met with Vice-President of the Republic of India, Speaker of the Council of States Bhairon Singh Shekhawat
On October 4, 2005 the Chairman of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus Council of the Republic Mr. Gennady Novitsky met with Vice-President of the Republic of India, Speaker of the Council of States of the Parliament of the Republic of India Mr. Bhairon Singh Shekhawat. 
During the meeting the parties discussed India-Belarus relations in the field of politics, inter-parliamentary and trade and economic activities. Gennady Novitsky briefed the guest on the structure and major functions of the Council of the Republic. He also emphasized that the authorities  of the Republic of Belarus attach great importance to the development of bilateral relations with India, which is one of Belarus’ most influential partners in South-East Asia. The Belarusian Speaker thanked the leadership of the Republic of India for the support in inter-parliamentary and international organisations and expressed confidence that mutually-beneficial political cooperation would be intensified. 
During the meeting the parties stressed that Belarus’ and India’s positions on major issues of international peace and security coincide. Besides, they spoke of the need to unite efforts in the struggle against international terrorism.
The participants in the meeting appreciated the high level of political, commercial and economic relations between the countries and confirmed their intention to strengthen the traditional friendly inter-parliamentary ties.
Nikolai Cherginets met with the Ambassador of Serbia and Montenegro in the Republic of Belarus
On September 1, 2005 Mr. Nikolai Cherginets, Chairman of the Standing Committee for Foreign Affairs and National Security of the Belarus National Assembly Council of the Republic, met with His Excellency Srecko Djukic, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Serbia and Montenegro in the Republic of Belarus. The Ambassador informed senator N.Cherginets of the current political situation in his country, including in the Kosovo province. During the meeting the parties discussed prospects of bilateral cooperation, possibilities of improving relations between the two legislatures as well as their interaction at inter-parliamentary forums.
The Chairman of the Council of the Republic met with a senator of the Parliament of the Republic of Italy
 On August 3, 2005 the Chairman of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus Council of the Republic Mr. Gennady Novitsky met with the Chairman of the Standing Committee for Foreign Affairs and Migration of the Italian Senate Mr. Fiorello Provera. Also present at the meeting was Mr. Nikolai Cherginets, Chairman of the Standing Committee for Foreign Affairs and National Security of the Council of the Republic.
Mr. Gennady Novitsky stated that the relations between the two countries were developing in a fruitful way. The goods turnover between the countries has been permanently on the rise. At the same time, Mr. Novitsky stressed, there is a need for a further cooperation in the field of preventing international terrorism, illegal migration, trafficking in humans, drug and weapons.
The Speaker asked the Italian senator to kindly extend warm appreciation to the Italian authorities for the assistance in rehabilitating Belarusian children affected by the Chernobyl nuclear power station accident.
The leader of the Italian delegation suggested that the upper chambers of the respective Parliaments keep in a permanent touch.
The parties also agreed that cooperation in the field of sport, tourism, culture and education should be encouraged.
Mr. Nikolai Cherginets and Mr. Fiorello Provera signed a joint communiqué adopted as a result of the visit.
Chairman of the Council of the Republic met with the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China
 On July 25, 2005 the Chairman of the Belarus National Assembly Council of the Republic Mr. Gennady Novitsky met with His Excellency Yu Zhenqi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Belarus, on the occasion of completion of His Excellency’s term of office. Also present at the meeting was Senator Nikolai Cherginets, Chairman of the Standing Committee for Foreign Affairs and National Security.
The Chairman of the Council of the Republic thanked the Ambassador for his contribution to the furthering of Belarusian-Chinese relations and raising the authority of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Belarus. He also stressed that the two countries had worked very successfully in the political, economic, cultural, scientific and other spheres of life. Belarus is China’s reliable partner and is prepared to consolidate the existing links. 
In his turn, the Ambassador of the Chinese People’s Republic expressed his satisfaction with the friendly ties that had been established between Belarus and China and pointed out at the remarkable progress that had been made in the enhancement of parliamentary relations and increase of commercial and economic turnover. The parties agreed that cooperation between the two parliaments had a very favourable future and that the friendship groups created in the respective Parliaments would have to be its driving force.
In concluding Mr. Gennady Novitsky wished the Ambassador Yu Zhenqi every success in his future professional activities.
Belarusian parliamentarians meet with the parliamentary delegation of the Republic of Korea
 On July 6, 2005 the Chairman of the Standing Committee for Foreign Affairs and National Security Mr. Nikolai Cherginets met with a parliamentary delegation of the Republic of Korea headed by deputy of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea, Chairman of the parliamentary Association of friendship between the Republic of Korea and the Republic of Belarus Mr. Oh Young Sik.
Opening the meeting, Mr. Nikolai Cherginets briefed the members of the Korean delegation on the structure and functioning of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus and remarked that Belarus seeks better contacts with the Parliament of Korea. He also told the Korean guests of Belarus’ achievements in the field of national economy, science and agriculture. The Belarusian parliamentarian dwelt on the problems associated with overcoming the consequences of the Chernobyl nuclear power station accident. 
In his turn, the leader of the Korean parliamentary delegation told his Belarusian colleagues about the social and economic situation in his country and stressed that a concerted action of the entire world community would be required to minimize the Chernobyl disaster aftereffects.
During the meeting the sides also discussed the issue of rendering assistance to the persons of Korean nationality living on the territory of the Republic of Belarus.
At the end of the meeting the parties concluded that there is a need to enhance parliamentary contacts between the two countries, especially at the level of the parliamentary friendship and cooperation groups.
Belarus-Russia Union parliamentarians met in Gomel
On June 23 – 24, 2005 a delegation of the Council of the Republic headed by the Speaker Gennady Novitsky participated in the 28th session of the Belarus-Russia Union Parliamentary Assembly held in Gomel.
During the first working day meetings of the Consultative Committee on the budget of the Union State and all specialized committees took place. The parliamentarians deliberated on certain measures aimed at raising the functioning efficiency of the Belarus-Russia Union Parliamentary Assembly and heard reports on the fulfillment of the Union programs in 2005. They also discussed the priorities of the Belarus-Russia Union budget strategy.
On June 24, 2005 at the plenary of the 28th session chaired by Mr. Boris Gryzlov the parliamentarians discussed amendments to the procedure of establishing and executing the budget of the Union State and heard the 2003 budget implementation report. They also summed up the results of the Parliamentary Assembly’s international activities in the past year and itemized the prospects of multilateral cooperation for the current year.
Senator Natalia Andreychik met with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt
On June 27, 2005 the leader of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus Working Group on cooperation with the Parliament of Egypt, Chairperson of the Standing Committee for Legislation and State Administration of the Council of the Republic Mrs. Natalia Andreychik had a meeting with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Arab Republic of Egypt Mr. Ashraf Rashed who has come to Minsk to participate in the Belarus-Egypt ministerial consultations.
The parties discussed the status of the Belarus-Egypt inter-parliamentary, political, commercial and economic relations. Mrs. Natalia Andreychik stressed in particular that Belarus is interested in closer parliamentary contacts with Egypt and pointed out the high potential for bilateral cooperation in the fields of science, culture and education.
The Egyptian guest informed his Belarusian interlocutor of the recent changes that had been brought to the Constitution of Egypt and of the preparations for presidential and parliamentary elections due in September and October 2005, respectively. It was emphasized that the political and economic transformations underway in Egypt today are taking place in accordance with the people’s will.
The participants in the meeting were unanimous in stating that after the on-coming parliamentary elections in Egypt, the sides should begin building parliamentary relations at the level of parliamentary committees.
Mr. Nikolai Cherginets met with Bulgarian deputies
The Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus for Foreign Affairs and National Security, Chairman of the public association “Belarus Literature Foundation” Mr. Nikolai Cherginets participated in the International Forum of writers “Power and Weakness of Words — 60 years after the Second World War”, which took place May 26 — 29, 2005 in Sofia.
Writers from 20 countries (Russia, Poland, Romania, USA, Great Britain, Germany, Spain, France etc.) discussed the role of elocutionists in preserving the memory of the World War II as well as their contribution into strengthening the international security.
Mr.Nikolai Cherginets delivered a speech at the forum. He also met with the Chairman of the “Slavyane” Foundation Mr. Zakharii Zakhariev, the Chairman of the Union of writers of Bulgaria Mr.Nikola Petev and members of the Russian delegation Mr.Evgeni Evtushenko, Mr.Georgy Pryakhin, Mr.Vladislav Chukanov.
In addition, Mr.N.Cherginets had a meeting with the Vice-Chairman of the “For Bulgaria” coalition, Honorary Chairman of the Independent Trade Unions Confederation of Bulgaria, Leader of the pre-election “Rose Coalition” Mr.Krystyo Petkov. They discussed issues of bilateral interparliamentary co-operation, the role of parliaments in maintaining regional and European security, problems of terrorism, trafficking in drags and humans, illegal migration.
A meeting in the Council of the Republic with the delegation of Sansad — Parliament of the Republic of India
 On May 24, 2005 Chairman of the Council of the Republic Mr. Gennady Novitsky met with the delegation of Sansad — Parliament of the Republic of India headed by the Vice-Speaker of the Lok Sabha Mr. Ch. Atval. Present at the meeting from the Belarusian side also were Deputy Chairman of the Council of the Republic Mr. Aleksandr Abramovich and Heads of the Standing Committees Mrs. Natalya Andreychik, Mr. Anatoly Novikov and Mr. Nikolai Cherginets.
During the meeting the parties discussed the status of the Belarus-India political, inter-parliamentary, trade and economic relations. Mr. Gennady Novitsky stressed that the leaders of the Republic of Belarus have always attached great importance to the development of bilateral links with India, one of our country’s major partners in South-East Asia.  The Chairman of the Council of the Republic extended his thanks to the leadership of the Republic of India for its support and understanding of the Belarusian stand at international and inter-parliamentary forums and expressed confidence that mutually-beneficial political coordination would continue.
The participants in the meeting appreciated the high level of political, commercial and economic relations and confirmed their intention to strengthen the traditional friendly inter-parliamentary ties.
Parliamentarians of Belarus and Vietnam sign a memorandum on cooperation and mutual understanding
 The official visit to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam of the Belarus National Assembly Council of the Republic delegation headed by Speaker Gennady Novitsky continues.
On May 17, 2005 the Belarusian parliamentarians met with the Chairman of the National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Mr. Nguyen Van An. During the meeting the parties gave a high assessment of the Belarus-Vietnam political dialogue and cooperation both in the field of parliamentary relations and trade and economic links. At the end of the meeting the parties signed a Memorandum on cooperation and mutual understanding between the Parliaments of the two states. 
The same day the Belarus delegation was received by President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Mr. Chan Dyk Lyong and the country’s first Vice-Premier Mr. Le Tan Zung.
During the talks the parties confirmed their intention to strengthen the traditional friendly ties, which have been established between the peoples of the two countries, to obtain better results from mutually-beneficial commercial, economic, technological and cultural relations and to continue their constructive policy coordination in the international arena.
The Speaker of the Council of the Republic met with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam
On April 25, 2005 Mr. Gennady Novitsky, Chairman of the National Assembly Council of the Republic, met with H.E. Ìr. Vu Suan Ninh, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in the Republic of Belarus. Present at the meeting also were Mr. Nikolai Cherginets, Chairman of the Standing Committee for Foreign Affairs and National Security, and Mr. Anatoly Novikov, Chairman of the Standing Committee for Social Matters.
The parties discussed the status of the Belarus-Vietnam inter-state and inter-parliamentary relations as well as the existing commercial and economic links. Mr. Gennady Novitsky stated that the cooperation between Belarus and Vietnam has been developing quite intensively on both bilateral basis and in the framework of international and inter-parliamentary organizations. With regard to this, the Speaker stressed the importance of the official visit to Hanoi that the Council of the Republic delegation intends to effectuate in May 2005.
During the meeting the sides also spoke of the need to promote the work of friendship groups established in the respective parliaments and came to a conclusion that there is a great potential for the development of bilateral commercial and economic relations.
Gennady Novitsky met with the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, leadership of the Assembly of the Western European Union and Speakers of Houses of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation
On April 15, 2005 Chairman of the Council of the Republic Mr. Gennady Novitsky had a bilateral meeting with the President of the PA CE Mr. Rene van der Linden. The meeting took place in St. Petersburg upon the initiative of the President of the PA CE. The parties discussed a wide range of issues involving our country’s relations with international organizations of Europe. Mr. Rene van der Linden stressed that he, as a representative of the Parliamentary Assembly, was in favour of an unprejudiced approach towards Belarus.
During the meeting, which lasted over an hour “ we managed to state the position of the official Minsk on the status of relationship between Belarus and the Council of Europe”, said Mr. Novitsky in a media interview. The Speaker noted with satisfaction that Mr. Rene van der Linden thought that Belarus should engage in the common European processes as soon as possible. He also mentioned that President of the PA CE pledged to take an active stand on the issue.
When in St. Petersburg, Mr. Gennady Novitsky also met with the Speakers of the two Houses of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation — Messrs Sergei Mironov and Boris Gryzlov, as well as with President of the Assembly of the Western European Union Mr. Stephan Goris.
Nikolai Cherginets met with Ambassador Extraordinary
and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the Republic of Belarus
On March 1, 2005 Mr. Nikolai Cherginets, Chairman of the Standing Committee for Foreign Affairs and National Security of the National Assembly Council of the Republic, met with H.E. G. Aldamzharov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the Republic of Belarus, and Mr. B. Auanasov, Kazakhstan Embassy Counsellor.
In the course of the meeting the parties considered issues related to the celebrations of the 60th Anniversary of the victory of the Soviet people over the fascists during the Great Patriotic War. In particular, the problem of perpetuating the memory of Kazakh officers and men who lost their lives while liberating Belarus was discussed at length. The Kazakhstan Ambassador also asked Mr. Cherginets to explore the possibility of a Kazakhstan parliamentary delegation composed of Kazakh poets and writers visiting Belarus.
Mr. Cherginets told the guests about his experiences as a member of the OSCE election observation mission at the elections of the US President.
Nikolai Cherginets met with H.E. Teclay Minassie Asgedom, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Eritrea in the Russian Federation and concurrently in the Republic of Belarus
 On February 17, 2005 Mr. Nikolai Cherginets, Chairman of the Standing Committee for Foreign Affairs and National Security of the National Assembly Council of the Republic, met with H.E. Teclay Minassie Asgedom, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Eritrea in the Russian Federation and concurrently in the Republic of Belarus, at His Excellency’s request.
Opening the meeting Mr. Cherginets expressed confidence that the bilateral relations between Belarus and Eritrea would gradually improve and deepen owing to the great potential that the two states should explore. As a first step to furthering these relations the Belarusian parliamentarian suggested that the legal framework for the Belarus-Eritrea cooperation should be developed.
In his turn His Excellency informed Mr. Cherginets of the political situation in Eritrea in the light of the status of Eritrean-Ethiopian relations. He emphasized that the Government of Eritrea sought improvement of contacts with the Republic of Belarus and that his principal task at the present moment was to find ways of attracting Belarusian investments into his country’s economy. The land of Eritrea is rich in gold, copper, zinc, marble, granite, petroleum, gas and other minerals and in the Ambassador’s opinion exploration of those deposits was one of the fields where the two countries might build mutually beneficial partnership relations. 
At the close of the meeting the parties agreed to study the prospects of sending a team of Belarusian experts to the State of Eritrea upon its Government’s invitation. Along with parliamentarians the team might include professionals of various specialities — geologists, design and civil engineers, road builders, gas engineers, etc. The team is expected to outline there and then the possible ways of cooperation between Belarus and Eritrea. |
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| Official visits and working contacts |
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| Participation in the work of inter-parliamentary and international organizations, working contacts |
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