Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 19 July (BelTA) – Belarus must do everything to help establish friendly relations between Russia and Ukraine, Belarusian Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei told the media following the negotiations with Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Edgars Rinkevics in Minsk on 19 July, BelTA has learned.

“We must do everything for peace and accord to return to Ukraine and help Russia and Ukraine establish friendly relations,” Vladimir Makei said.

He underlined that Belarus’ position on the situation in Ukraine remains unchanged. “For us Russia and Ukraine are the closest countries in the post-Soviet area. They are our neighbors and our main trading and economic partners. Of course, we resolutely do not accept the situation that exists today,” the minister noted.

Vladimir Makei remarked that the situation in Ukraine affects the Belarusian economy and causes some security problems. “We advocate the establishment of peace and accord in the region, and also the prompt settlement of the conflict,” the diplomat added.