New Belarus-Russia Union State programs focus on space technologies, solar energy

VITEBSK, 28 June (BelTA) – Belarus and Russia implement joint projects aimed at the scientific and technological development of the Union State of Belarus and Russia. As many as 60 programs have already been implemented in various fields. A number of other projects are in the pipeline, BelTA learned from Deputy Prime Minister of Belarus Anatoly Sivak during the plenary session on the role of interregional cooperation in building an innovative economy of the Union State of Belarus and Russia.

Anatoly Sivak said: “For many years cooperation between the Republic of Belarus and the Russian Federation in science, technology, and innovations has been making a sizable contribution to the positive dynamics of development of social and economic ties, to the growth of trade between our countries. In conditions of global instability, sanctions-fueled restrictions ensuring technological sovereignty, efficient import substitution, and modernization of manufacturing facilities has become a vital necessity.”

The official reminded that the strategy designed to guide the scientific and technological development of the Union State of Belarus and Russia in the period till 2035 was adopted in January 2024. “The document contains concrete measures meant to enhance the common technological sovereignty, including the realization of joint programs and projects to create competitive products with a high added value. At present over 60 programs have been implemented in space technologies, microelectronics, information technologies, mechanical engineering, healthcare, and many other fields. This year three R&D programs are being implemented in the field of development of basic components for spacecraft, components for transport vehicle control systems, in the field of development of new laser equipment products. An entire series of new Union State programs in the field of high technologies is in the preparation stage. They envisage the development of onboard systems and equipment for small spacecraft, equipment for solar energy industry, new medications for early diagnostics of oncological diseases, high-yielding agriculture technologies, and many other things,” Anatoly Sivak said.

The 11 Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia is taking place in Vitebsk, Polotsk, and Novopolotsk on 27-28 June. It focuses on the role of interregional cooperation in building an innovative economy of the Union State of Belarus and Russia. The forum has been organized by the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus and the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation.