Italian officials and business professionals will hold an economic forum in Belarus next year after officials and business leaders in both countries expressed interest in cooperation.

Stefano Bianchi, Italy's ambassador to Belarus, said the government of Belarus is interested in demonstrating its willingness and eagerness to do business in Italy, while Italian businessmen are interested in doing business in Belarus.

The forum is meant to highlight areas where the two countries can work together. Delegates from Sardinia and Veneto are expected to attend the forum, which will be supported by Rome.

Bianchi reported that the two countries have been working on cooperation in different areas of government and the economy. The ministries of foreign affairs in both countries are in contact, and Deputy Foreign Minister of Belarus Yelena Kupchina visited Italy in 2013.

Bianchi expressed hope that the Italian Deputy Foreign Minister would visit Belarus in the coming months.