GLONASS to Bring Real Effect

On 21 May, the House of Representatives (the lower chamber of the Belarusian parliament) ratified the intergovernmental agreement between Belarus and Russia on cooperation in the use and development of the Russian global satellite navigation system GLONASS.

The bill was presented by Chairman of Goscomvoyenprom Sergei Gurulyov.

As was mentioned by him, the agreement was signed on 13 December 2013 at the session of the Belarus–Russia Union State’s Council of Ministers. Its goal is to set up the organisational and legal framework for joint employment and development of GLONASS, its supplementary systems and relevant satellite navigation technologies.

The document envisages regulation of collaboration in scientific research, establishment of ground GLONASS infrastructure in Belarus, including its supplementary systems, as well as development of GLONASS receivers.

The agreement provides for the exchange of materials, systems and technologies related to satellite navigation, as well as deep integration of Belarusian and Russian navigation and information systems.

The law will not cause additional expenditures from the Belarusian budget.

Answering the MPs' questions, Sergei Gurulyov said that GLONASS's introduction into the Belarusian navigation system would save considerable financial assets, which had already been calculated.

"Specifically, GLONASS would help to efficiently organise public transport and implement the Smart City concept, which is already being launched in Minsk and Brest. In addition, GLONASS will help carry out many operations in agriculture more efficiently. It also enables instant decision making in case of some emergency situations," said Sergei Gurulyov.

At present, the two sides are harmonising their positions on the functions and powers of the executors of the joint activity.