Opinions & Interviews

MOSCOW, 8 April (BelTA) – Belarus intends to advance relations with the European Union without detriment to Russia and not at Russia’s expense. Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei made the statement at a press conference in Moscow on 8 April, BelTA has learned.

Vladimir Makei underlined that Belarus is not a ship that drifts this or that way. The Belarusian nation is connected to Russia by a lot of common things: history, economy, human relations, military and political cooperation. “Russia is the key partner and ally for us but it doesn’t mean Belarus will forgo cooperation with other partners,” stated the Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs. He went on saying that the European Union is very important for Belarus because it is the second largest trade partner.

“For Belarus to have good relations with the European Union is normal,” said Vladimir Makei. “We intend to advance our contacts with European partners without detriment to Russia and not at Russia’s expense.”