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Ukraine to help Belarus with construction of nuclear power plant

Ukraine is to assist Belarus in building its first-ever nuclear power plant, the first deputy prime minister, Uladzimir Syamashka, said at a meeting of a bilateral intergovernmental commission for the promotion of economic ties that was held in Minsk on Friday.

He said that the Kyiv-based Energoproekt research institute that «has a big experience in the construction of the so-called three-plus power units of the last generation» is to help Belarusian experts to choose an appropriate site for the plant.

He said that a contract for the service had been signed with the institute following Alyaksandr Lukashenka's presidential edict, noting that the two sides were about to strike a new contract under which the Ukrainian institute would provide engineering services, conduct feasibility study and prepare papers for the invitation of bids from suppliers of nuclear power plant equipment and builders.

Mr. Syamashka revealed that the Belarusian authorities also wanted to buy some equipment for the plant from Ukraine, noting that the supplies would contribute to the growth of two-way trade as well.

His Ukrainian counterpart, Oleksandr Turchinov, said that Ukraine saw «serious prospects» of cooperation in the sphere.