Russia, Belarus sign agreement on navigation on inland waterways

MOSCOW. Dec 29 (Interfax) - Russia and Belarus have signed an intergovernmental agreement on navigation along inland waterways, the Russian Transport Ministry said.

The document was signed on December 28 between Russian Deputy Transport Minister Alexander Poshivai and Belarusian Deputy Transport and Communications Minister Natalya Aleksandrovich.

"Russia is amending the existing regulations concerning navigation on its inland waterways for the first time by simplifying foreign-flagged vessels' access to them. This exclusive procedure is to be applied within the Union State's framework and should help deepen the integration of the economies and strengthen cultural and business ties between the two countries," the statement quoted Poshivai as saying following the signing procedure.

"The parties intend to prepare a plan of joint actions toward implementing the agreement and to organize the work of a nascent joint commission within the shortest possible time," it said.