Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 13 October (BelTA) - Belarus is ready for a constructive dialogue and closer cooperation with European partners, Chairman of the House of Representatives Vladimir Andreichenko said as he met with Karlheinz Kopf, Second President of the National Council of Austria (the lower chamber of the Austrian parliament), BelTA has learned.

Vladimir Andreichenko noted that contacts between Belarus and the EU countries have intensified markedly. "Belarus is ready for a constructive dialogue and closer cooperation with our European partners," said the Speaker.

He thanked the Austrian side for the contribution to the normalization of relations between Belarus and the European Union, and expressed confidence that the meeting will promote friendly contacts between Belarus and Austria.

Speaking about the bilateral relations on the level of Parliament, Vladimir Andreichenko said with regret that for the time being the countries engage in such cooperation only in the international parliamentary organizations. According to the Speaker, it can be intensified through the establishment of direct contacts between the international affairs commissions, and through the establishment of friendship groups in the parliaments of Belarus and Austria.

In general, the Chairman of the House of Representatives said that the two countries have great potential for cooperation not only in terms of economic projects but also in of science, culture, education, medicine, sports, and tourism.