OREANDA-NEWS. May 24, 2013. Intergovernmental Ukrainian-Belarussian Joint Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation has started its work in Kyiv. Its 22nd meeting was held today, led by the First Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine Serhiy Arbuzov. The First Deputy Prime Minister Volodymyr Semashko led Belarusian delegation.

Among issues to be discussed: the state of trade and economic cooperation and increasing trade turnover between the two countries, cooperation in various sectors of industry, transport, agriculture, fuel and energy sector and others. It will also be lined up decisions of last year's meeting of the Commission.

During a bilateral meeting with Volodymyr Semashko Sergei Arbuzov noted the high level of partnership between Ukraine and Belarus, not only at the level of state bodies, but also at the level of ordinary citizens.

"I pleasantly surprise that residents of our members supported each other on the Eurovision. I would like to thank on behalf of Ukraine the citizens of Belarus for high scores," Serhii Arbuzov said.

Talking about trade and economic relations between the two countries, the First Deputy Prime Minister said that Ukraine attaches great importance to the work of the Intergovernmental Commission.

"We managed to consider the interests of each other. Of course, there are some differences, but they are quickly eliminated. Because Belarus has always been and will be an important partner for Ukraine," Serhii Arbuzov said, opening a meeting of the Commission.

He noted that among the trade partners of Ukraine Belarus ranked 2nd place among CIS countries (after Russia) and ranked 4 place among world countries in 2012. And cooperation between countries is not only in traditional areas, but in high industries, for example, in IT-technologies.

"Because of our neighborhood of course there are problems. And, actually, to address these issues the Commission exists. In particular, we worry about the problems Ukrainian producers on the Belarusian market face, confectionery, dairy products. I hope, we will solve this problem," Serhii Arbuzov said.