Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 9 February (BelTA) – The opening of the embassy of Austria in Belarus will be conducive to new large-scale projects in bilateral cooperation. Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei made the relevant statement during the embassy’s opening ceremony in Minsk on 9 February, BelTA has learned.

According to the Minister, the embassy’s opening will lead to new, larger and more advanced projects in Belarus-Austria cooperation as well as cooperation in new spheres. “Both sides are interested in further development and advancement of comprehensive interstate cooperation across the board,” noted Vladimir Makei. He reminded that a number of important projects have already been implemented, including the retooling of Belarusian Steel Works and the effective operation of Priorbank in the country.

Vladimir Makei remarked that by opening the embassy in Belarus the Austrian side made a complicated yet correct and brave decision. There are certain problems in Belarus’ relations with the European Union, nevertheless, the Austrian leadership made the decision, understanding that Belarus is a factor of stability in the region, that Belarus is interested in developing and building normal relations with the European Union and the Union’s individual member states.

Speaking about prospects of Belarusian-Austrian cooperation, the Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs said that they are vast. Austria is one of Belarus’ top partners. Belarus and Austria will have to work out a plan for trade and economic cooperation. The embassy’s opening is expected to give an incentive to creating the plan. Vladimir Makei promised that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other government agencies will ably help the embassy work out and implement new projects, will help advance cooperation across the board.