Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 26 September (BelTA) – Belarus and the UK have a mutual interest in developing the political dialogue, Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei told the media after his meeting with Minister of State for Europe and the Americas at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office Alan Duncan on 26 September, BelTA has learned.

“I would like to take note of the mutual, as I see it, interest of the two countries in the further development of the political dialogue. It is an important addition to our economic cooperation,” said Vladimir Makei.

The Belarusian minister of foreign affairs named the talks with Alan Duncan an open and substantive discussion which covered the issues of bilateral cooperation, the situation in the region and the world in general. “For us Britain is a very important partner. We believe that we still have a hugely untapped potential. We would like to maintain active relations with this country in the political, trade and economic, humanitarian and other sectors,” the minister said.

Vladimir Makei also added that Belarus values the UK’s assistance in mitigating the consequences of the Chernobyl accident. Over 100 UK charity organizations help Belarus in the sector. Over the past six years almost 8,000 children have visited the UK for recuperation purposes. “We appreciate our partners’ fine gesture and are grateful for their considerable assistance,” he said.