G. Rapota: Economic cooperation between Belarus and Russia means our well-being and security

The State Secretary also added that in the Union State much emphasis is on the brotherhood of the two countries. However, it is important to consolidate good relations with creative projects which should unite the younger generation.

“We always talk about fraternity and it is completely in line with the history of our relations. But this category of relations is not constant. Just brotherhood will get you only so far. Experience has shown that close relatives have the most bitter quarrels. Therefore, we need to value our relations so that our descendants could also be proud of them. They should be based not on history, but on what we are creating now. If we do not create anything for future generations, then they will not talk about fraternity. Therefore, tremendous responsibility lies with us,” said Grigory Rapota.

In his opinion, at present it is important to focus on specific projects. As an example, he cited the successful cooperation when implementing Union State programmes.

“Union State programmes team up scientists, engineers, technicians and other specialists. The programmes have been successfully implemented for many years. Most importantly, they result in innovative products needed in industry, medicine, space, agriculture and other areas,” said the State Secretary.

He also added that at the moment it was necessary to address the issue of building high-speed motorways. According to Grigory Rapota, if such transport communications do not appear in the Union State, joint spatial development then will remain on paper then.

Previously, Grigory Rapota said that the project aimed to build a high-speed motorway was being considered by the Government of Russia. It is planned that this motorway will connect St. Petersburg, Orsha, Pskov, Minsk, Warsaw, Berlin, and Hamburg. The relevant business model presupposes the use of extrabudgetary funds.