The Russian Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus signed a framework agreement at the 6th Forum of Russia and Belarus Regions. This agreement will allow scientists of the two countries to expand and intensify cooperation in the field of high technologies, space and in a number of other areas.

The document was signed by the Chairman of the NASB Presidium Vladimir Gusakov and the President of the Russian Academy of Sciences Alexander Sergeev.

Vladimir Gusakov noted that the Belarusian and Russian scientists have many joint developments that need to be introduced into production.

Alexander Sergeev explained that the new agreement is required because "the two academies has different statuses in their countries. According to the 2013 reform, the RAS, for example, was deprived of control over its institutes. The NAS of Belarus has a different structure. It has authority over the management of scientific institutions. Thus, we had to determine in these new conditions how we should build cooperation,” - Alexander Sergeev said. He also added that inter-academic cooperation should be a driver for new scientific and technological projects.

The Forum of Russia and Belarus Regions is held annually under the auspices of the Federation Council and the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly. President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko and President of Russia Vladimir Putin took part in the plenary session.