Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 21 November (BelTA) - Belarus and Russia are determined to cooperate more closely to strengthen their positions in the international arena, Belarus Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei told the media after the joint meeting of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Russia and Belarus in Minsk on 21 November, BelTA has learned.

“We have confirmed mutual determination to work more closely to strengthen the positions of our countries in the international arena and to promote the integration within the framework of the Union State and other formats,” Vladimir Makei said.

For his part, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov lauded the joint harmonious work of the two countries in the UN to formulate the rules of responsible behavior of states in the field of international information security and to develop the norms to counteract cybercrime. “These initiatives have been endorsed in the General Assembly committees and will soon be submitted for approval to the plenary session of the UN General Assembly,” Sergei Lavrov said.

Sergei Lavrov also welcomed the integration cooperation in the Eurasian Economic Union. According to him, the parties agreed to further the EAEU’s external relations, including with China, Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Belarus and Russia have agreed to further strengthen the common spiritual and cultural space, to promote the historical heritage and expand youth contacts within the framework of various organizations.