On November 28, Minsk /BelTA Correspondent/. On December 1, Daugavpils will host an exchange of written notifications on the completion by Belarus and Latvia of the internal procedures necessary for the agreement between the governments of the two countries on a simplified procedure for mutual travel of residents of the border territories of Belarus and Latvia, dated August 23, 2010, to enter into force. This was reported to BelTA by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus. "It is expected that from the specified date, local authorities may begin forming lists of residents of border territories eligible for relevant permits. The actual issuance of permits at the General Consulate of Belarus in Daugavpils and the Consulate of Latvia in Vitebsk is expected from February 1, 2012," the foreign ministry informed. The implementation of the agreement will positively affect the development of bilateral relations, will activate economic relations with the border territories of Latvia, contacts between representatives of local self-government bodies, business circles, cross-border trade, and will expand interpersonal and cultural ties. It will also contribute to maintaining kinship and family contacts, as it will simplify the procedure for ethnic Belarusians compactly residing in the adjacent territory of Latvia to enter the territory of Belarus. In addition, the entry into force of the agreement will promote the intensification of cross-border cooperation in such areas as tourism, culture, and sports.-0-

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