Opinions & Interviews

BRUSSELS, 23 November (BelTA) – Belarus hopes for closer trade and economic relations with the EU member states, Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei told the media. The minister arrived in Brussels to take part in the EaP summit, BelTA has learned.

“In the run-up to the summit we maintained close contact with our European partners and expressed our wishes. Our wish is to have closer smooth trade and economic contacts and relations, and also to have an easier access to the EU markets. We are interested in cooperation in energy and in using the EU’s experience to improve our national economic system,” the minister stated.

He remarked that the sides have a number of joint humanitarian projects aimed at developing local self-government, advancing the civil society, and improving the interaction between the state and citizens.

“All these matters are reflected in the partnership priorities. They are now under discussion and are about to be finalized,” Vladimir Makei added.

In his opinion, the summit provides a good opportunity for Belarus to enunciate its approaches to the situation in the region, global development, and related problems.