Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 28 May (BelTA) - The European Union is interested in improving relations with Belarus, Charge d'Affaires of the EU delegation in Belarus Richard Rudolph said during the conference "Minsk after Riga: a Forum on Reforms, or How Can Belarus Adapt and Develop in the New Regional Contexts,” BelTA has learned.

"The European Union is very interested in improving the relations with Belarus," the diplomat said. In his view, the EU is a provider of sustainable growth and development. He also believes that the European Union can be considered as a reliable and predictable partner.

"Our relations with Belarus are gradually improving. The level of mutual distrust is decreasing. The policy of small steps works and creates stability,” added the diplomat. He believes that these small steps are becoming more visible. They require a lot of effort on each side. "We must constantly convince those who do not believe we are on the right path,” Richard Rudolph noted.

He stressed that the EU appreciates Belarus’ position on the Ukraine settlement and its efforts to host the negotiations.

"We need to work together towards specific goals, under specific projects and issues, but taking our realities into consideration,” the diplomat added.

Attending the conference are representatives of the government bodies of Belarus, the National Assembly, public organizations and analytical units, and foreign diplomats.