Nina Mazay met the delegation from the Riigikogu of Estonia On 8 July 2009 Ms Nina Mazay, Chairperson the Standing Committee for International  Affairs and National Security had a meeting with the Estonian parliamentary delegation headed by Mr Vladimir Velman, chairman of the Estonia — Belarus parliamentary group. Ms Lilia Moroz, Deputy Chairperson of the Standing Committee of the Council of the Republic for Legislation and State Building and Mr Evgeny Artuishenko, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the House of Representatives for Money and Credit Policy and Banking also took part in the meeting. The parties discussed the state and perspectives for bilateral inter-parliamentary cooperation, development of trade, economic and humanitarian ties as well as other issues of mutual interest.
Ms Nina Mazay informed the Estonian parliamentarians about the procedure of the forming of the Council of the Republic and its activities. She also noted that it was the first visit of Estonian parliamentarians to the Republic of Belarus since 1992 when the diplomatic relations between our countries were established. The Chairperson of the Standing Committee underlined that a number of steps had been made by the Estonian side recently to promote bilateral dialogue. Creation of an Estonia — Belarus parliamentary group is one of the most important among them. In her opinion, inter-parliamentary contacts may greatly contribute to the development of cooperation in different spheres of activities. She also stressed that consular consultations were held between two countries and the Estonian side demonstrated a constructive approach towards the problem of citizens’ free travel.
 Vladimir Velman in his turn said that he was satisfied with the level of Belarus-Estonia diplomatic relations. He underlined that the Estonian side was interested in development both political and economic contacts. The purpose of their visit to our country is to establish long-term cooperation.
The parties discussed the issues of a bilateral treaty basis development, prospects for trade and economic cooperation as well as interaction in the spheres of culture, tourism and public health. Vectors of EU — Belarus dialogue development were also considered. In addition Ms Mazay noted that expansion of mutually beneficial relations with European countries including Estonia was one of the priority directions of Belarus foreign policy. An active exchange of views on the issues of energy, environment protection, transport, customs, agriculture, standardization, finances and public health is held with the representatives of the European institutions. 
A special attention at the meeting was paid to inter-regional cooperation. The Chairperson of the Council of the Republic Standing Committee briefed the Estonian colleagues on the local self-government system of the Republic of Belarus. She mentioned that a Council for Cooperation of Local Self-Government Bodies was established at the Council of the Republic. On 3 December 2008 the Council for Cooperation was granted an observer status with the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe. It is planned to create a national association of local authorities that will contribute to advancement of local self-government in the Republic of Belarus.
Nina Mazay mentioned the high level of interaction on the regional level. 4 agreements on twin town relations are in force and it is planned to sign two more such agreements this year. She expressed confidence in further development of bilateral inter-regional cooperation.
The Chairperson of the Council of the Republic Standing Committee accented the interest of our country in expanding contacts with EU in the sphere of local government and self-government.
In conclusion Ms Mazay highlighted the importance of developing relations with Estonia on a pragmatic and equitable basis. |
