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MINSK, 25 March (BelTA) – Belarus and Slovenia are aimed at developing so-called economic diplomacy, Belarus’ Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei told media after his meeting with Vice Premier, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia Karl Erjavec on 25 March, BelTA has learned.

The parties agreed to maintain close contacts between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the two countries. The main focus will be on developing mutually beneficial economic ties, effective investment contacts.

Due to various reasons the trade between Belarus and Slovenia has slightly declined. According to Vladimir Makei, the ministers agreed to discuss these issues at the forthcoming meeting of the joint intergovernmental commission in June. The commission is also expected to sign a number of projects that will help address problems in bilateral economic relations.

Vladimir Makei stressed that a number of Slovenian companies have been operating on the Belarusian market. The Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs named pharmaceutics, energy, construction, mechanical engineering, and agriculture among the most promising areas of cooperation.

The issues regarding the security in the region were also raised during the talks. The talks showed that the parties have similar views on the current events. Vladimir Makei and Karl Erjavec also reviewed the status and prospects of bilateral relations, cooperation between Belarus and the EU and in international organizations.

When discussing the cooperation in the humanitarian sphere, Vladimir Makei thanked his Slovenian counterpart for the health recuperation programs for Belarusian children in Slovenia. “We highly appreciate this help and are grateful to our Slovenian friends for this,” Vladimir Makei said.

The Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed confidence that the current visit of his Slovenian counterpart will become an important step towards further strengthening of the friendly relations between the Slavic countries.

The Slovenian Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Foreign Affairs is in Belarus on an official visit. On 25 March Belarus’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs also hosted a ceremony of singing international documents on cooperation in the energy sector.