Meeting of first session of Council of Republic of 8th convocation held in Minsk

The agenda features 9 draft laws on ratification of agreements with foreign countries. The senators also approved the bill "On Suspension of the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe". This does not mean Belarus' withdrawal and cessation of internal procedures related to its implementation in the Armed Forces. Our country fully fulfills its obligations under the Treaty and strictly adheres to the established limits for the availability of armaments and military equipment. The draft law has been prepared in order to ensure national interests of Belarus and as a response to the decision of NATO member states to suspend the CFE Treaty. In addition, today the senators approved the draft laws on the ratification of cooperation in the field of security and counter-terrorism between the governments of Belarus and the United Arab Emirates. In general, the range of issues is wide and ranges from mutual recognition and exchange of driver's licenses to investment protection.