Dvorkovich: Russian, Belarusian agriculture cooperation constructive, issue not being politicized
MOSCOW. Feb 7 (Interfax) - Cooperation between Russian and Belarusian agriculture agencies is progressing very constructively, Deputy Russian Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich told journalists.
"There are many problematic moments in our mutual relations with Belarus. However, I would stress that interaction at a working level, at the level of agriculture ministries, agencies which deal with food control, are progressing very constructively. The problems which exist are being discussed openly, sometimes longer than desired, but openly nonetheless," he said.
"We're not politicizing this issue, we're hoping for reciprocity. We will resolve these issues in our mutual relations at a working level and as soon as possible based on the interests of our producers and consumers," he said.
Dvorkovich and Belarusian Deputy Prime Minister Mikhail Rusyi discussed agricultural cooperation between the two countries on Tuesday.
"Generally, agricultural cooperation was discussed. There are some mutual problems, but they have a working nature. There is nothing hyper acute in them, the main thing is to continue discussions on a working level," Dvorkovich said of the meeting.
The Eighth congress of the National Union of Milk Producers (Soyuzmoloko) is taking place on Tuesday in Moscow where a Belarusian delegation is taking part for the first time. Belarus accounts for up to 90% of dairy product imports to Russia.