Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 29 May (BelTA) – The Belarusian-Russian political dialogue has been developing steadily and consistently, Belarus Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei said at the meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on 29 May, BelTA has learned.

“Our political dialogue is developing steadily and consistently,” Vladimir Makei said. In his words, the two states hold regular joint events at various levels, develop the bilateral legal framework. Today, the parties are expected to sign an intergovernmental agreement on certain issues related to the rules of entry of foreign nationals and stateless persons attending international sport events.

According to the minister, Belarus and Russia are also expanding cooperation in the trade and economic sector.

Sergei Lavrov stressed that regular negotiations help the countries keep pace in developing bilateral relations and outline steps to implement the agreed policies in various fields. In his words, the parties are gearing up for a meeting of the Union State Supreme State Council. Plans are in place to sign a document on priority areas and overriding goals for the further development of the integration association within the next four years. “This will add new qualities to our relations,” the Russian foreign minister stressed.

He named as important the forthcoming Forum of Regions, which is due to take place in Mogilev in autumn. It emphasizes the multifaceted relations and strategic partnership between the two states, Sergei Lavrov said.

The diplomats discussed the state and prospects of bilateral relations, interaction in the international arena, including the UN, the OSCE and the SCO. The focus was also on the situation in the region and the world in general.