Russia interested in cooperation with Belarus in freight transshipment
MINSK, 16 April (BelTA) – Russia is interested in advancing cooperation with Belarus in the area of freight transshipment, BelTA learned from Russian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandr Novak on 16 April.
Asked about the transshipment of Belarusian oil products via Russian ports, the official said: “The task is being fulfilled in full. Moreover, the volume in March was slightly larger than the target. We also expect an increase in the volume in April. The mechanism works. Both Belarus and Russia are interested in advancing cooperation in this field. Today we also discussed the possibility of transshipping other goods in the future (not those relating to energy industry but those relating to production sector and other areas) and the possibility of using joint logistic chains. It is effective and helps develop trade and economic cooperation.”
Modern Diplomacy
Published 3 months ago
Abkhazia faces a dilemma between closer integration with Russia, which could bring an effective loss of its independence hopes, and long term internal troubles as a result of a decrepit economy and extensive corruption. Avoiding Russia would be suicidal but trying to balance it could bring some results – thence comes Sokhumi’s expressed willingness to reach a certain rapprochement with Tbilisi to alleviate economic woes.
Georgia’s Russia-controlled Abkhazia is facing deep economic crisis. Lack of reforms, extensive corruption, the pandemic-related problems of the stalled tourism sector and difficulties of extracting financial aid from its patron – Russia, create some long-term troubles for the separatist region.