Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 19 July (BelTA) – Prime Minister of Belarus Andrei Kobyakov thanked Latvia for the constructive attitude towards the normalization of relations between Belarus and the European Union. The gratitude was expressed as the Belarusian head of government met with Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Edgars Rinkevics on 19 July, BelTA has learned.

Andrei Kobyakov noted: “I would like to thank our Latvian partners primarily for the very constructive stance on normalization and the resolution of problems in Belarus’ relations with the European Union, on the implementation of our projects, efforts to establish cooperation with investment, credit, and finance institutions of the European Union. Rather active advancement has been secured in these matters thanks to the contribution of our Latvian partners. We are very grateful for such a constructive attitude.” In his words, Belarus is interested in using the European Union’s financial and technical aid instruments as well as the potential of the Eastern Partnership Initiative for the sake of developing the economy.

In November 2016 Andrei Kobyakov took part in the 16+1 summit of heads of government of Central and Eastern Europe countries and China. Andrei Kobyakov met with Latvian Prime Minister Maris Kucinskis on the sidelines of that forum. “We had a thorough discussion primarily about our trade and economic cooperation. We invited him to visit Belarus. I would like to once again confirm this invitation. We expect the prime minister of Latvia to use the opportunity to visit Belarus,” said the Belarusian head of government.

Andrei Kobyakov expressed readiness to discuss a wide range of matters during the meeting. “We seek ways to bolster friendship with our neighbors instead of creating problems. This is why your visit to Belarus is another opportunity to see what we can do for the sake of advancing the bilateral cooperation, how we can use the capabilities granted by the participation of our countries in various integration associations,” concluded Andrei Kobyakov.

In turn, Edgars Rinkevics thanked Andrei Kobyakov for the meeting and for the opportunity to exchange opinions about the entire range of Belarus-Latvia cooperation as well as about the development of relations between Belarus and the European Union. “As far as the bilateral relations are concerned, I absolutely agree with your statement that we have a very good, very intensive political dialogue,” he said.