On March 29, Novopolotsk / Olga Bogacheva - BELTA /. European policy will not be able to counteract the development of cooperation between Belarus and Latvia. This opinion was expressed today at the First Belarusian-Latvian Forum of Twin Cities by the Chairman of the Minsk Regional Executive Committee, Chairman of the Belarusian organization "Twin Cities" Boris Batura, BELTA correspondent reports. "Despite the tightening of sanctions against Belarus, today about 150 representatives of local authorities of Latvia have come to our forum. They came sincerely, with a great sense of responsibility, duty and love for the Belarusian people," noted Boris Batura. According to him, this is unique support from an entire nation, which shows that contrary to the wishes of individual politicians, our peoples, as they have worked and lived together for many centuries, will continue to do so. "Interaction at the level of economy, culture, healthcare and other spheres of life will be preserved in the future. No European policy will be able to counteract this. Moreover, this movement at the local self-government level should grow every year," is confident the Chairman of the Belarusian organization "Twin Cities". Trade and economic ties between Belarus and Latvia have a centuries-old history, based on the geopolitical position of the two countries, located at the intersection of the main transit routes of Europe. Boris Batura sees great potential in the creation of joint trade and logistics centers. Belarus is also interested in exchanging best practices in improving legislation on regulating entrepreneurial activities. In the sphere of tourism and recreation, the potential of the rich natural resources of the two countries is not fully utilized. Today, at the forum in Novopolotsk, 12 regions of Belarus and Latvia have concluded partnership agreements. Novopolotsk was chosen as the venue for the forum not by chance. It has extensive experience in establishing such contacts - agreements on cooperation in the cultural and economic spheres have been concluded with 16 cities of various countries, including two cities in Latvia. In total, in the Vitebsk region, almost two dozen districts have twin city ties with cities in Latvia, noted the Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee Alexander Kosinets. "Establishing such relations gives a good impetus for the exchange of experience, the creation of joint ventures, and the intensification of cooperation in other areas," he added. -0-