Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 29 April (BelTA) – Belarus counts on Hungary’s support in the dialogue with the European Union, Belarusian Premier Andrei Kobyakov said as he met with Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary Peter Szijjarto on 29 April, BelTA informs.

“We see that within the framework of existing opportunities Hungary has been supporting our country in the dialogue with the European Union. We believe that the language of sanctions does not promote dialogue and the development of relations and count on Hungary’s further support in the matter,” the PM stressed.

In his words, Belarus-EU relationship building will be also forwarded through maintaining stability and strengthening security in the region, especially in the light of the recent developments (in Ukraine). “Backing the integration of integrations, we are ready to provide all-round assistance to the establishment of the dialogue and cooperation between the European Union and the Eurasian Economic Union where Belarus presides in 2015,” Andrei Kobyakov said.

The Belarusian head of government took note of the Belarusian-Hungarian economic relations. “Today’s trade and economic relations between Belarus and Hungary can be estimated at about $250 million, which does not meet the existing potential of the two countries. We are extremely interested in the maximum implementation of the opportunities we have,” he said.

According to Andrei Kobyakov, the two countries have been steadily developing bilateral contacts, and Belarus hopes for further development of friendly relations with Hungary. The PM stressed that Belarus is interested in the implementation of Hungary’s foreign economic strategy, Opening to the East. “Here we are quite similar because whatever big our relations with the leading economic centers can be, we do our best to diversify our trade and economic policy,” he said.

Andrei Kobyakov also conveyed his greetings to the Prime Minister of Hungary and confirmed the interest in his visit to Belarus.