In Bialystok on cooperation between Polish and Belarus regional governments

15 May 2014
  

In Bialystok on cooperation between Polish and Belarus regional governments

“By developing Poland-Belarus multi-level relations, we build confidence between our societies, foster trade between our countries and contribute to the development of civic society in both Poland and Belarus,” said Deputy Minister Katarzyna Kacperczyk, inaugurating the two-day Forum of Partner Cities of Poland and Belarus on 15 May.
“Polish local governments cooperate with Belarussian partners specifically in the fields of culture and economy. These are the most important areas of activity that help us understand each other,” said the deputy chief of Poland’s diplomacy.

The forum on local governments’ cooperation has been organised by the authorities of the Polish and Belarussian partner cities. It will provide an occasion to discuss the role of local cultural institutions in organising the cultural life, or the issue of public services providing. The authorities of the city of Bialystok have also organised study visits for Belarussian participants of the forum who will be able to see how a city is governed.

Deputy Minister Kacperczyk has also met with Deputy Foreign Minister of Belarus Alexandr Gurianov. The deputy ministers discussed current economic and political cooperation between Poland and Belarus. Cross-border cooperation and prospects for introducing local border traffic between the two countries were also high on the meeting’s agenda.

“It is our third meeting within the last six months. This shows that we are trying to add impetus to our bilateral relations. It is very important in the context of the dynamic development of our local cooperation. We can see its effects here in Bialystok,” said Deputy Minister Kacperczyk.