Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 21 November (BelTA) – The EU member states welcome the positive trends in the relations with Belarus, Walter Stevens, Chair of the Political and Security Committee (PSC) of the Council of the European Union, said as he met with Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko on 21 November.

Walter Stevens thanked the Belarusian leader for the meeting and the opportunity to exchange opinions on the development of the relations between Belarus and the European Union. “I would like to say on behalf of our delegation that we welcome the positive trends in the relations with Belarus. We are true neighbors. Belarus borders on three EU member states, and you are a very important participant of the Eastern Partnership. We would like to continue advancing our relations with Belarus,” the PSC Chair said.

The diplomat also emphasized the country’s important role in the settlement of the Ukrainian conflict. Belarus has accommodated about 200,000 Ukrainian migrants and refugees. “We appreciate this. We believe that the full implementation of the Minsk agreement is the key condition for the normalization of the situation in Ukraine,” he added.

The European Union delegation composed of representatives of the Political and Security Committee of the EU Council, the European External Action Service and the European Commission is in Belarus on a visit on 20-21 November. They are set to hold a number of meetings to discuss the current state and prospects of interaction between Belarus and the European Union.

The Political and Security Committee is based in Brussels and consists of ambassadorial level representatives from the EU member states. The main functions of the PSC are keeping track of the international situation, dealing with common foreign and security policy issues, and drafting opinions for the EU Council of Ministers. The PSC plays a key role in EU’s political dialogue.