Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 16 June (BelTA) – Belarus seeks close partnership relations with the European Union, Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei told the media after his visit to the Czech Republic, BelTA learned from the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The minister noted that Belarus aims at diversifying the trade, economic, and political ties. “We would like to build close relations of partnership and friendship with the European Union, with the EU member states,” he added.

The European Union is an important trading and economic partner for Belarus, the second biggest partner after Russia. “Therefore, we are interested in very close trade and economic relations with the union in general and with each EU member state,” Vladimir Makei said.

During his visit to the Czech Republic, the Belarusian foreign minister held a series of meetings, including with his Czech counterpart Lubomir Zaoralek. The parties discussed the situation in their countries, and steps to be taken to strengthen the positive momentum in the relations between Belarus and the European Union. “We also talked about possible specific projects of mutually beneficial cooperation in various areas,” Vladimir Makei said.

He noted that the active economic, trade, and financial interaction with the European Union is very important for Belarus. “This is the number one priority for us in the context of our efforts to diversify our economy,” Vladimir Makei said.

When speaking about the trade and economic relations with the Czech Republic, Vladimir Makei stressed that the two countries reached concrete agreements. He also expressed hope that the agreements will turn into projects. This is what the parties agreed to work on.