Opinions & Interviews

FM: Russia understands Belarus’ pursuit of better relations with EU

MINSK, 4 June (BelTA) – Russia understands Belarus’ aspiration to promote relations with the European Union, Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei told reporters on 4 June, BelTA has learned.

“In our view, Russia has recently got a better understanding that Belarus’ participation in the Eastern Partnership initiative is not aimed against Russia,” Vladimir Makei said.

He added that he had discussed this matter at the recent meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov. According to Vladimir Makei, Russia understands Belarus’ intention to develop relations with the European Union, its second biggest trading partner. “The only way to survive amidst a high level of confrontation that we have today is to be friends with everyone. This is our policy and one of the pillars of our multi-vector approach we stick to now and will be committed to in the future,” the minister noted.

Commenting on the Belarus-Russia integration talks, Vladimir Makei underlined that routine work is underway and it will be premature to unveil the details of this work. “We are indeed in talks with our Russian partners to discuss the areas of work where we could be more efficient. We also try to identify what areas of our more advanced integration could generate additional benefits for both countries,” the diplomat said.

If someone wants answers to the questions about possible threats to Belarus’ sovereignty, they should study the recent State of the Nation Address of the Belarusian president, Vladimir Makei noted. The head of state said back then: “You know there has been a lot of idle talk recently about Belarus becoming part of something, about Belarus getting divided. But it is impossible to accomplish such things now. Those, who may try to do it by force, will get a powerful response from our people, primarily from those, who were born sovereign and independent.” “As for the matters of sovereignty and security in our foreign and domestic policy there has never been and will never be room for compromises. The experience of repeated dividing of the Belarusian nation and our borders has taught us to value today’s unity and territorial integrity,” the Belarusian leader said.

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