On 8 April, 2008 Mr Nikolai Cherginets, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Council of the Republic for Foreign Affairs and National Security, met with Mr Americo Dias Nunes, Charge d’Affaires ad Interim of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to the Republic of Belarus.

       In the course of the meeting the parties shared their viewpoints on enhancing bilateral cooperation in political, economic and social areas. Nikolai Cherginets informed the guest on achievements of the Republic of Belarus in industry and talked on the training programs for the specialists in this sphere. He also dwelt on the prospects for the development of small settlements and their infrastructure as well as the opportunities for investment cooperation. Additionally, the participants of the meeting dealt with issues concerning the cooperation within the framework of international and inter-parliamentary organizations, including the need to develop the parliamentary dimension of the Non-Aligned Movement. Nikolai Cherginets said that during the nearest sessions of the Council of the Republic the senators would study a number of draft laws concerning the ratification of inter-governmental agreements between the Republic of Belarus and Venezuela on trade and economic cooperation, facilitating the development of Venezuela’s anti-aircraft defense and abolishing visa travels for the citizens of the both states. The Belarusian senator also thanked the Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to the Republic of Belarus for the assistance rendered for the organization of Belarus climbing expedition to the highest point of Venezuela — Bolivar Peak.

       In his part, Americo Dias Nunes told Nikolai Cherginets about the cooperation of the two countries in the spheres of culture and education, a mutual investment fund, prospects for establishing joint ventures etc.