15:38 18.06.2013

Ukraine, Belarus exchange ratification instruments on 1997 state border treaty

2 min read

Ukraine and Belarus have exchanged instruments of ratification of a treaty on their state borders dated May 12, 1997.

The relevant protocol was signed in Kyiv on Tuesday following Ukrainian-Belarusian talks held as part of the official visit of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko to Ukraine.

The document was signed by Belarusian Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei and Ukrainian First Deputy Foreign Minister Ruslan Demchenko.

The Dzerkalo Tyzhnia weekly reported earlier that Kyiv and Minsk had managed to settle the long-standing problem with the demarcation of the Ukrainian-Belarusian border, as requested by the European Union, with which Kyiv is engaged in a dialogue on visa-free regime. According to the newspaper, Ukraine has agreed to pay debts Belarus. Since 1992, Belarus has demanded $134 million which Ukrainian business entities allegedly owe Minsk.

According to the newspaper, the arrangements between Kyiv and Minsk involve several compensation schemes. First, the countries plan to establish active cooperation in the defense industry, which will expand the market for the sales of Ukrainian and Belarusian weapons. Belarus expects Ukraine to supply equipment, primarily in the air defense sector. At the same time, the country expects even bigger schemes from Ukrainian national arms exporter Ukrspecexport that go far beyond bilateral cooperation.

Secondly, Ukraine is to supply electricity at a reduced price to Belarus, which will allow its further re-export.

Thirdly, Kyiv will provide preferential freight rates for Minsk.

And lastly, Ukraine is to supply tractors and harvesters to Belarus.

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