Matvienko called on Belarus to begin cooperation with Crimea
Regions of Belarus could establish contacts with Crimea and Sevastopol.
Speaker of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation Valentina Matvienko stated this today at the Fifth Forum of Regions of Russia and Belarus.
“Currently, almost all constituent entities of the Russian Federation maintain close trade and economic ties with Belarus. We would really like our two new subjects – Crimea and Sevastopol – to also become participants in this interaction. We consider interregional cooperation as a key factor in integration and union building,” Matvienko said.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, Vladimir Makei, has repeatedly voiced his position on Crimea. Its essence boils down to the following: the Russian Federation is interested in the negotiation platform for Donbass being located on friendly territory. This means that, while maintaining neutrality on Crimea, Minsk acts in the interests of Russia, that is, it fulfills its allied obligations.
Matviyenko urged Belarus to begin engaging with Crimea.