Events

MINSK, 5 September (BelTA) – Belarus’ Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei took part in the European Union (EU) and Eastern Partnership (EaP) Informal Ministerial Meeting, which was held in Bratislava, Slovakia, BelTA learnt from the press service of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Vladimir Makei presented Belarus’ approaches to the EaP development and cooperation with the European Union. In particular, the Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs stressed that the Republic of Belarus considers the Eastern Partnership as a framework instrument for development of cooperation between the EaP countries and the European Union, taking into account their national priorities and with the aim of strengthening security, stability and prosperity in the region. The Minister also noted the necessity of reinforcing project activities within the EaP multilateral track. The minister expressed hope for further expansion of a constructive dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation between the Republic of Belarus and the European Union, including the launch of consultations on a future basic agreement between Belarus and the EU.

On the sidelines of the event the Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs held a number of working meetings with senior officials of the EU institutions, ministers of foreign affairs of the EU Member States and Eastern Partnership countries. Vladimir Makei met with Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary Peter Szijjarto and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development of France Jean-Marc Ayrault. The sides discussed bilateral cooperation, as well as the prospects for developing the Belarus-EU dialogue.