Belarus, Kazakhstan eager to boost regional cooperation

       Belarus and Kazakhstan are keen on building up regional cooperation, Deputy Prime Minister of Belarus Mikhail Rusyi told a press conference in Minsk. According to Mikhail Rusyi, the two sides draw much attention to this matter: “Taking into account the instructions of the heads of states we have agreed to expand regional cooperation using the same principle we apply with the Russian Federation”. This year Belarusian delegations have already paid a number of visits to Kazakhstan. Return visits are expected. Mikhail Rusyi explained that the interaction will help both countries address many issues in a prompt manner. Government delegations will hold talks on big projects while smaller projects will be discussed at the regional level, the Vice Premier added. The official stressed that the sides need to go beyond simple trade. Belarus is ready to build grain storage facilities in Belarus and process grain for Kazakhstan. Belarusian specialists can also build storage facilities in Kazakhstan. According to the Vice Premier, Belarus should focus on setting up joint ventures not only in Kazakhstan, but also in other countries, namely Vietnam, Bangladesh, Indonesia. It is also important to more actively penetrate new markets.