Preparations for the 13th Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia, which is due to take place in Minsk Oblast 2026, were discussed at a meeting of the Inter-Parliamentary Commission of Belarus and Russia on 2 October. The session, held at the Minsk Oblast Executive Committee, also covered interregional cooperation and food security issues.
According to Vladislav Tatarinovich, Deputy Chairman of the Council of the Republic, the meeting's goal was to further develop inter-parliamentary ties and strengthen multilateral relations. In his words, 88 agreements are currently in place between the Government of Belarus and various constituent regions of the Russian Federation, with even more agreements concluded directly between regional authorities.
“The parties are focused on establishing direct economic links, and a regular exchange of visits is already in place. In the first eight months of this year, Belarus hosted 22 delegations led by heads of Russian regions, while 71 Belarusian delegations visited Russian regions. All this creates the conditions for growth in mutual trade and services,” Vladislav Tatarinovich said.
The previous Forum of Regions, held in Nizhny Novgorod this summer, proved highly productive, resulting in the signing of over 100 contracts worth more than Br900 million. Bilateral projects in industry and construction are now being implemented, with aircraft manufacturing identified as a promising new area of cooperation.
“For the upcoming forum in Minsk Oblast and the city of Minsk, we preliminarily plan to use venues that have already proven themselves, primarily the Minsk International Exhibition Center, where we can showcase the potential of our regions across many sectors. We plan to hold plenary sessions and, based on our constructive discussions, will work to ensure the 13th Forum of Regions is centered on an economic agenda. Economic interaction is a serious foundation for the further development of the Union State. The Minsk Oblast Executive Committee has already formed an organizing committee, and we, too, have a high level of readiness. We intend to maintain this high standard,” Vladislav Tatarinovich added.
Starting in 2026, the Forum of Regions is planned to be held biennially. This change is due to the establishment of a new, separate patriotic forum to be held ahead of Victory Day on 9 May. However, delegations from the Council of the Republic and the Federation Council will continue to meet between forums to discuss specific topics.
Yuri Vorobyov, Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, expressed confidence that the joint work would continue to expand. “It is important for us that the agreements reached between the regions are implemented in a way that benefits our countries and peoples. This is why our parliaments maintain constant oversight,” he said.
Speaking on food security, Yuri Vorobyov highlighted the shared approaches to solving pressing issues. “This includes matters related to selection, technology exchange, training of agricultural specialists, improved planning, oversight of this planning, and the interconnection of our relevant agencies,” the deputy chairman of the Federation Council added.
The meeting was attended by Minsk Oblast Governor Aleksei Kushnarenko, as well as MPs and representatives from Minsk Oblast and various Russian regions.
According to Vladislav Tatarinovich, Deputy Chairman of the Council of the Republic, the meeting's goal was to further develop inter-parliamentary ties and strengthen multilateral relations. In his words, 88 agreements are currently in place between the Government of Belarus and various constituent regions of the Russian Federation, with even more agreements concluded directly between regional authorities.
“The parties are focused on establishing direct economic links, and a regular exchange of visits is already in place. In the first eight months of this year, Belarus hosted 22 delegations led by heads of Russian regions, while 71 Belarusian delegations visited Russian regions. All this creates the conditions for growth in mutual trade and services,” Vladislav Tatarinovich said.
The previous Forum of Regions, held in Nizhny Novgorod this summer, proved highly productive, resulting in the signing of over 100 contracts worth more than Br900 million. Bilateral projects in industry and construction are now being implemented, with aircraft manufacturing identified as a promising new area of cooperation.
“For the upcoming forum in Minsk Oblast and the city of Minsk, we preliminarily plan to use venues that have already proven themselves, primarily the Minsk International Exhibition Center, where we can showcase the potential of our regions across many sectors. We plan to hold plenary sessions and, based on our constructive discussions, will work to ensure the 13th Forum of Regions is centered on an economic agenda. Economic interaction is a serious foundation for the further development of the Union State. The Minsk Oblast Executive Committee has already formed an organizing committee, and we, too, have a high level of readiness. We intend to maintain this high standard,” Vladislav Tatarinovich added.
Starting in 2026, the Forum of Regions is planned to be held biennially. This change is due to the establishment of a new, separate patriotic forum to be held ahead of Victory Day on 9 May. However, delegations from the Council of the Republic and the Federation Council will continue to meet between forums to discuss specific topics.
Yuri Vorobyov, Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, expressed confidence that the joint work would continue to expand. “It is important for us that the agreements reached between the regions are implemented in a way that benefits our countries and peoples. This is why our parliaments maintain constant oversight,” he said.
Speaking on food security, Yuri Vorobyov highlighted the shared approaches to solving pressing issues. “This includes matters related to selection, technology exchange, training of agricultural specialists, improved planning, oversight of this planning, and the interconnection of our relevant agencies,” the deputy chairman of the Federation Council added.
The meeting was attended by Minsk Oblast Governor Aleksei Kushnarenko, as well as MPs and representatives from Minsk Oblast and various Russian regions.