Opinions & Interviews

“Perhaps there is no area where Belarus and Russia would not have close long-lasting contacts, be it politics, economy, investment, security, science, education, or culture. Special praise goes to the system of interaction between our countries at the regional level, which may be called, without an exaggeration, as unprecedented in terms of scope and depth,” Vladimir Makei said.

The Belarusian minister stressed that the coordination of efforts of Belarus and Russia in the bilateral format and in the international arena is systemic and trust-based. “Issues do arise in our relations,” said Vladimir Makei. “But our interaction shows that there are no conflicts that cannot be resolved through reasonable compromise. That was clearly confirmed by the recent contacts at the highest levels,” he noted.

Vladimir Makei said that the joint meeting examined the topical issues of bilateral cooperation. In particular, the parties exchanged the views on the implementation of the program of concerted action in foreign policy of the states parties to the Union State Treaty for 2016-2017 and the approaches to the program for the next biennium.

According to Vladimir Makei, the parties clearly expressed their support for the strengthening of the cultural and humanitarian cooperation between Belarus and Russia in all areas, including in the framework of the activities to mark joint memorable dates and significant events in the history of the two countries. “We have everything for an active and effective work in this field. First and foremost, we have agreed on the approaches to prevent distortions of the history, in particular, to counter the attempts to revise the history and outcomes of the Second World War,” Vladimir Makei noted.

During an one-on-one meeting Vladimir Makei and Sergei Lavrov discussed a wide range of issues of bilateral interaction, cooperation in various international organizations, including the Eurasian Economic Union, international security, both in the regional and global context and also the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.

“We also discussed the activities in connection with the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries, which, I am sure, give an additional momentum to further strengthening of our strategic alliance,” Vladimir Makei said.