A delegation of the Russian Antarctic expedition of the Federal state budgetary institution "Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute" of Roshydromet (St. Petersburg) visited the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus on 7-8 August 2018. The purpose of the visit is to review the implementation status of the Action Plan for the enforcement provisions of the Agreement on cooperation in Antarctica between the Government of the Republic of Belarus and the Government of the Russian Federation, to discuss plans in scientific and logistical cooperation for 2018 – 2019, including the 11th Belarusian Antarctic expedition and the 64th Russian Antarctic expedition.

Delegation members took part in the extended working meeting of the Interdepartmental Commission of the Republic of Belarus on Antarctic issues which was held on 7 August 2018 at the NAS of Belarus, and in the working meeting of the bilateral working group as well.

Alexander Klepikov, Deputy Director, Head of the Russian Antarctic expedition of the Federal state budgetary institution "Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute" of Roshydromet, noted that Belarusian and Russian polar explorers will carry out a joint research project during the 11th Belarusian Antarctic expedition (BAE) in 2018-2019.

Chairman of the Presidium of the NAS of Belarus Vladimir Gusakov said: "We are building a strategic partnership with the Russian side on cooperation in Antarctica. An appropriate agreement has been signed. In the future, we associate our plans to strengthen our positions in the Antarctic with long-term cooperation and equal partnership with the Russian Federation, and expect professional and friendly support from our Russian colleagues. We need to work together and help each other there," he said.