Ambassador assesses prospects for Belarus-Kazakhstan cooperation in nuclear energy

Belarus’ Ambassador to Kazakhstan Pavel Utyupin assessed the prospects of cooperation between the two countries in nuclear energy as he spoke in an interview with STV TV channel, BelTA has learned.

“If we talk about cooperation between Belarus and Kazakhstan, it should be noted that we are strategic partners. This is pertains not only to bilateral relations. We are members of many multilateral integration associations. In September 2024 we marked 32 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Every year we achieve certain results. Our cooperation is vibrant in all the areas, including politics, trade and economy, social and humanitarian affairs,” Pavel Utyupin said.

Belarus and Kazakhstan have been also developing inter-parliamentary cooperation. “Working groups have been set up between the National Assembly of Belarus and the Parliament of Kazakhstan. These working groups work on a permanent basis. Just a few days ago, a regular meeting of the working group was held online, during which the MPs discussed issues related to legislation and also cooperation in various areas,” the ambassador said.

He also drew attention to the prospects of cooperation in the nuclear energy sector. “The construction of a nuclear power plant is a very significant event for every country. In my opinion we have gained huge experience, including the development of the legislative base in the plant’s operation, in nuclear safety. Belarusian industrial enterprises participated in localization, having gone through all the necessary procedures of coordination and approval of potential suppliers to the nuclear plant. Belarusian specialists were trained, and a management system for the construction and operation of the nuclear plant was developed. Belarus has accumulated a large base and experience in all these issues. The relevant permits for the construction of such facilities have been obtained. In my opinion, this is one of the possible topics for discussion and exchange of experience,” Pavel Utyupin said.

He also touched upon the topic of mutual trade. “We do not talk about any mono-products that make up our mutual trade. The nomenclature of mutual trade has hundreds of items. The two countries exchange a wide range of products. Following the pandemic, we secured a record-high trade of $1 billion. For the third year in a row we have been increasing our trade figures,” the Ambassador added.