Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 28 October (BelTA) - Minsk fulfills its commitments of a peaceful talks venue, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko as he met with First Deputy Prime Minister Yaqub Eyyubov of Azerbaijan, BelTA has learned.

The head of state stressed that “we have something to talk about in what regards the Belarus-Azerbaijan relations.” “But first I would to congratulate on the exam that you, the Azerbaijani authorities, have passed with flying colors. I am talking about the referendum. Its results are the best confirmation of the attitude of the Azerbaijani people to the authorities during in this difficult time. This is a great victory, and I know how it is viewed in the world. All sorts of talks ceased immediately, and your country’s standing has significantly improved,” the President stressed. He also said that “I agreed with my friend to meet on 28-29 November. Everything is on schedule, no delays here.” Alexander Lukashenko believes that today's meeting is a step in the preparations for the upcoming negotiations at the highest level.

“There are a number of problems which we will discuss in a thorough manner,” he said.

The President also noted that these days the Belarusian capital has become a venue of international meetings. On 27 October it hosted the EEU intergovernmental meting. On 28 October it will welcome the heads of government of the CIS member states. Other events underway in Minsk include a large-scale UNECE international conference and meetings of the working groups on Ukraine.

“All this shows that Minsk has honored its commitments as a peaceful talks venue,” said Alexander Lukashenko.

For his part, Yaqub Eyyubov said that for Azerbaijan and Azerbaijani people “Belarus and Alexander Lukashenko are very close people”. “In Azerbaijan there are problems and you, like no other, know about them, because you are the head of state, you are the man who is loved and supported by the Belarusian people,” the Azerbaijani guest said.