Belarus, Russia sign agreement on cooperation in Antarctica

Belarus and Russia have signed an intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in Antarctica. The document was inked after the meeting of the Supreme State Council (SSC) of Belarus-Russia Union State in Saint Petersburg on 15 March, BelTA has learnt.

The agreement spells out principles and mechanisms of joint research and exploration of Antarctica.

The document, in particular, envisages joint research and programs, development of a system of measures to protect environment of Antarctica, exchange of specialists.

The parties also signed an intergovernmental agreement on leasing a land plot to the Republic of Belarus for the construction of a hotel for the Embassy of Belarus in Russia.

The Presidents of Belarus and Russia signed the final documents of the meeting. Among them was the resolution of the Supreme State Council of the Union State on the trade and economic cooperation between Belarus and Russia in 2011-2012, the decree on the 2013 Union State budget. The sides also signed resolutions regarding the implementation of the coordinated action plan on foreign policy for 2012-2013, priority areas of the Union State further development, the main issues for discussion at SSC meetings in 2013.