Myasnikovich meets with foreign scientists

Belarusian Prime Minister Mikhail Myasnikovich has met with representatives of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus (NASB) and foreign scientists who came to Belarus to take part in the celebration of the 85th anniversary of the NASB. The meeting took place at the government headquarters on 24 January, BelTA has learnt.

The Premier thanked the foreign scientists for accepting the invitation of the National Academy of Sciences. He noted: “The fact that such outstanding scientists have gathered here speaks volumes about the international standing of Belarusian science”.

Mikhail Myasnikovich emphasized the importance of the events that are held in Minsk these days (23-25 January). “The time is pretty tough now, including for the scientific community. Therefore, it is very important to exchange views,” the Belarusian head of government said. He stated with regret that often the opinion of the scientific community is sought only when some issues in the economy and crises arise. Mikhail Myasnikovich believes that it is necessary to collaborate with scientists so that science would remain one of the integral factors of the country’s development.

Mikhail Myasnikovich noted that the NASB has solid ties with many research centers of the neighboring states. He noted that following his visit to China that had concluded the day before, the NASB will establish closer ties with Chinese parties.

“One of the tasks set by Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China Li Keqiang is active cooperation in fundamental research,” Mikhail Myasnikovich informed. The two countries have discussed efforts to expand the bilateral cooperation and outlined the major cooperation avenues. Belarus and China also discussed joint training of top scientists. “We always keep in mind that cooperation in science and technology plays a significant role in international relations,” the Belarusian head of government said.

During a brisk and constructive dialogue between the Premier and scientists on 24 January, Physics Prize Winner, Vice President of the Russian Academy of Sciences and Rector of the Saint Petersburg Academic University Zhores Alferov noted that the anniversary of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus is landmark event. Speaking about the achievements of the NASB, he noted: “It is very important that Belarus is among the few post-Soviet states where scientific research and solutions are in demand by the economy and industry”.