Head of Yakutia: we highly appreciate opportunity to develop co-operation with Belarus
Yakutia is interested in the supply of industrial machinery and agricultural products from Belarus – as stated by the Governor of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) of the Russian Federation, Aisen Nikolayev, at a meeting with President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko
The Governor of the Russian region, in particular, noted, “We highly appreciate the opportunity to develop co-operation with Belarus within the framework of the development of allied relations between our countries. You are right to say that the Western fascist sanctions have made us stronger. We have begun to develop faster, and the annual growth is reaching 7-8 percent over the past four years.”
In his talk with journalists, Mr. Nikolayev stressed, “The directions related to the development of supplies of equipment from Belarus, primarily for our industry, are extremely important for us at resent. About 1,500 BelAZ vehicles operate in Yakutia, we see very good work of tractor equipment. We should do everything possible to get away from the dictates of the West in the field of critical technologies. Our countries are able to jointly make any technology that exists in the world, and the only thing needed is the desire and labour teams’ readiness to be engaged into this. I see that, in the areas that we need today, Belarus is able to provide with a lot of critical technologies.”
Healthcare is also actively developing in the region, and new major medical centres are being built. Yakutia is open to adopting technologies and experience, using medical equipment from friendly countries, and it demonstrates a special interest in Belarus and its experience in sanatorium treatment.
In the field of humanitarian co-operation, the parties can develop co-operation in the field of cinematography. Mr. Nikolayev said that Yakutia today is one of the leaders in the Russian film industry: the Sakha Republic ranks third in film production, behind Moscow and St. Petersburg. “I am sure that many interesting joint projects can be done together with our friends from Belarus,” he added.
The supply of agricultural products to Yakutia is an important area as well. “We have formed a list of goods that could be supplied from Belarusian enterprises to Yakutia,” Mr. Nikolayev said.
The Governor thanked the Belarusian side for participating in the Children of Asia International Sports Games in Yakutia this summer, “These are the largest children's competitions in the world, and 24 national teams have taken part in them this year. Belarus took the third overall place. We are confident that our co-operation in sports and other creative industries will continue.”
Mr. Nikolayev drew attention to the fact that both peoples are united by common historical values. Interestingly, the first Hero of the Soviet Union from Yakutia was Fiodor Popov, who received a high award posthumously during the liberation of Belarus from Nazi invaders: in particular, for his feat during the forced crossing of the Dnieper River on October 1st, 1943.
“We are grateful to our Belarusian friends for the veneration of all Soviet soldiers,” the Head of Yakutia said.
