Opinions & Interviews

NESVIZH, 24 June (BelTA) – Germany actively supports the expansion of Belarus’ ties with the European Union. The statement was made by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Germany to Belarus Peter Dettmar during the meeting of representatives of Belarusian and German sister cities in Nesvizh on 24 June, BelTA has learned.

The Ambassador remarked that Belarus-EU relations have noticeably improved. “The European Union lifting sanctions from Belarus in February 2016 was the most vivid manifestation of it. It was Germany that campaigned harder than other countries for lifting these sanctions,” said the diplomat.

In his words, the level of official contacts between European Union member states and Belarus has increased considerably, in particular, the level of contacts between Belarus and Germany. “I can state that even problem topics can be once again discussed sincerely,” noted Peter Dettmar. “The changes can pave the way for us to actively explore the vast potential of the bilateral relations. It will require time, patience, and trust in partners. In the end we are talking about people in our countries and their future.”

The Ambassador said he believes that the contribution of the partnership movement to broader Belarusian-German cooperation is very essential.

The meeting of representatives of sister cities is scheduled to take place in the Belarusian town of Nesvizh on 24-25 June. Participants of the meeting are expected to discuss Belarusian-German intercity partnership as bridges into the future. The event gathered representatives of about 30 German and Belarusian cities, towns and districts, which are connected by the twinning movement. The sides focused attention on advancing economic, investment contacts, and the contribution of young people to twinning relations. The development and exchange of experience in social, cultural, educational, and healthcare matters were part of the discussion, too.

Participants of the event were supposed to visit enterprises, get familiar with the region’s infrastructure, with cultural, historical, educational objects, and visit healthcare institutions.