Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 22 October (BelTA) – The Eastern Partnership member states should give a greater focus to economic cooperation, Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei has told the ONT TV channel, BelTA has learned.

According to the diplomat, economic cooperation was on the agenda of the meeting of the foreign ministers of the European Union and the Eastern Partnership member states that took place in Luxembourg on 15 October. They noted that they managed to work out a certain program of action in this field.

“We highlighted this matter and emphasized that although some steps forward were made, there is no real progress that would be noticeable to the general public. Therefore we urged our partners to pay more attention to the programs designed to improve the well-being of our peoples and drive economic growth. Economy should be at the heart of everything. We made it clear,” Vladimir Makei said.

The minister noted that the Eastern Partnership initiative will turn 10 years in 2019. The countries managed to achieve a lot over this time. “Whether some like it or not, the initiative has not turned into any confrontational concept meant against third states. During the closed-door meeting we reiterated that the initiative should not be confrontational in nature, but it should strive to bring nations together,” the head of the Belarusian foreign ministry said.

Vladimir Makei held a series of talks in Luxembourg to discuss, among other matters, possible visits of the Belarusian president to the EU member states. “There are things that make an important part of our considerations: what is the agenda of a visit and will there be any tangible benefits from it. Suggestions are submitted to the president. The position of the head of state remains unchanged: there is no point of making a visit for the sake of a visit. A visit should bring specific dividends and results for the country and its people. These results should be tangible and meaningful,” the minister underlined.