Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 20 January (BelTA) - Belarus should stay in line with the global processes, including in what concerns the cooperation with the World Trade Organization (WTO), Belarus Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei told the media on 20 January after he was asked on Belarus’ expectations from the talks on WTO accession scheduled for 23-26 January, BelTA has learned.

“We do not expect that we will be given the green light immediately, but the forthcoming talks are of great importance. I think that Belarus should stay in line with the processes that are taking place worldwide, including within the framework of our cooperation with the World Trade Organization,” Vladimir Makei said.

In his words, the talks will highlight the positions and approaches of the corresponding states. Belarus plans to lay out its vision on some of disputable matters which still remain in place.

As BelTA earlier reported, a delegation led by First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrei Yevdochenko is expected to attend the talks on Belarus’ WTO entry in Geneva on 23-26 January. The delegation will comprise representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Economy Ministry, Ministry of Antimonopoly Regulation and Trade, Finance Ministry, Agriculture and Food Ministry, Healthcare Ministry, Justice Ministry, State Committee for Standardization, State Customs Committee, National Center of Intellectual Property, and the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus.

The working group on Belarus’ accession to the WTO will hold its 8^th official meeting as part of the talks. Attending the meeting will be representatives of 46 WTO member states.