Business news

MINSK, 9 December (BelTA) – Belarus emphasizes the importance of restoring the viability of the conventional arms control regime in Europe, Belarus’ Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei said at the 23^rd OSCE Ministerial Meeting in Hamburg on 9 December, BelTA learned from the press service of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“On the invitation of 2016 OSCE Chairman-in-Office and German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Belarus’ Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei took part in the informal opinion exchange on the importance of arms control for the European security. In his speech the Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs pointed to the importance of restoring the viability of the conventional arms control regime in Europe which would correspond to the present-day military and political situation on the continent. It was also emphasized that given the systemic crisis of confidence a high-level political signal is needed to start a substantial dialogue. The OSCE summit can serve as such signal,” the ministry said.

At the meeting with Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Stephane Dion, Vladimir Makei reaffirmed Belarus’ interest in intensifying bilateral political contacts, trade and economic cooperation with the country. The ministers shared opinions on the prospects for the settlement of the conflict in Ukraine.

Vladimir Makei met with NATO Deputy Secretary General Rose Gottemoeller to discuss the ways to develop the dialogue between Belarus and the Alliance, and also the situation in the region.

The meeting with OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier and OSCE Representative on the Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatovic highlighted the issues of cooperation between Belarus and the OSCE executive bodies, including the implementation of joint projects.

Vladimir Makei also met with German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier to talk over the issues on bilateral agenda.

Vladimir Makei congratulated Germany on the successful organization of the OSCE Ministerial Meeting and thanked for constructive cooperation with the Germany’s OSCE Presidency.