S.Shukhno: “The most critical issues that Belarusian and Russian citizens faced in the past have been settled within the framework of the Union State”

For the last several years Belarus and Russia have done a great deal of work so that their citizens could enjoy equal rights and opportunities on the territory of the Union State. However, one will have to do a lot more. Addressing the briefing at the theoretical and practical conference “Social Development of the Union State – State and Outlook”, Deputy State Secretary of the Union State Sergey Shukhno told the journalists about the problems solved and the challenges set.

For the last several years Belarus and Russia have done a great deal of work so that their citizens could enjoy equal rights and opportunities on the territory of the Union State. However, one will have to do a lot more. Addressing the briefing at the theoretical and practical conference “Social Development of the Union State – State and Outlook”, Deputy State Secretary of the Union State Sergey Shukhno told the journalists about the problems solved and the challenges set.

Talking about the achievements in the legal framework of the Union State Sergey Shukhno noted: “At present the ratification of the Agreement guaranteeing that Belarusians and Russians will enjoy equal rights for the freedom of movement is being completed. This document is a final one in the pack of agreements on equal rights”. He also reminded that “the agreements in the sphere of public health, social security and taxation have already come into effect”. Yet, these agreements don’t solve all the problems. That is why, according to the Deputy State Secretary, Standing Committee of the Union State has sent Russian and Belarusian ministries and agencies an enquiry to analyze the law-enforcement practice of the documents concerning equal rights of Belarusians and Russians.

Among pressing problems S.Shukhno also mentioned medical assistance rendered to Belarusian students studying in Russia, full-fledged Russian pension system membership of Belarusian retirees residing in Russia as well as the existing obstacles that Belarusians face trying to obtain a permit for part-time residence in Russia. “On the whole, the most critical issues that Belarusian and Russian citizens faced in the past have been settled within the framework of the Union State,” he summarized.