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FM: Belarus committed to joint work with EU to enhance political dialogue

Andrea Wiktorin and Vladimir Makei. Photo courtesy of the MFA

MINSK, 29 July (BelTA) - Belarus stands ready to continue working together with the European Union to enhance political dialogue and mutually beneficial trade and economic cooperation, Belarus’ Minister of Foreign Affairs said as he met with outgoing head of the EU Delegation to Belarus Andrea Wiktorin, BelTA learned from the ministry’s press service.

Vladimir Makei hailed Andrea Wiktorin’s valuable personal contribution to the process of steady normalization of the Belarus-EU relations. During the period of Andrea Wiktorin’s tenure at the post of the EU Ambassador to Belarus,the political dialogue with the executive bodies of the European Union has significantly intensified, meetings of the Belarus-EU coordination group and sectoral dialogues have become regular, investment cooperation has increased. So has the EU technical assistance to Belarus. The parties are very close to signing the agreements on visa facilitation and readmission.

In 2015-2018 trade between Belarus and the European Union increased from $14.4 billion to $17.3 billion. Belarus’ exports went up from $8.6 billion to $10.2 billion.

During the meeting, the parties also discussed the Belarus-EU agenda. Vladimir Makei stressed the importance of the European Union lifting the remaining sanctions against Belarus, early completion of the harmonization process on the partnership priorities and launching the negotiations on a new framework agreement between Belarus and the European Union.

“For its part, Belarus stands ready to continue working together with the European Union to enhance political dialogue and mutually beneficial trade and economic cooperation, to develop the full-fledged bilateral legal framework, to fill the Eastern Partnership agenda with specific content useful for citizens on both sides of the border,” the ministry stressed.

In conclusion, Vladimir Makei wished Andrea Wiktorin continued success in her diplomatic career and expressed the hope that her successor will be as active and committed.

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