Lukashenko: interregional forum

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko presented a plan to accelerate interregional cooperation with Kazakhstan and proposed organizing a thematic forum. He emphasized that parliamentarians in both countries are primarily developing regional ties, and noted that Belarus and Kazakhstan are currently preparing for an interregional cooperation forum.

During the meeting, Lukashenko pointed out that both countries could leverage experience from similar forums: Belarus has experience cooperating with Russia, and Kazakhstan also has such experience with Russia, which could serve as a good model for bilateral interaction. He suggested actively involving top officials from both countries' local administrations, especially governors, to boost regional-level cooperation. According to him, "governors in both our countries have substantial authority. We need to integrate them into this process." He also noted that "governors in your country and ours are central figures. No matter how you look at it, much depends on them, especially in your case given the vast territory. Therefore, we need to accelerate this process, develop it, and not fear that this middle level has started cooperating."

Context

Belarus and Kazakhstan have previously held similar regional forums with Russia, which could serve as a model for bilateral dialogue.