Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 1 March (BelTA) – In the Belarusian-Russian relations, there is mutual understanding of the need to find solution to issues of concern, Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei told reporters on 1 March, BelTA has learned.

“I am optimistic about the development of the bilateral relations with our Russian friends. We have recently had a thorough and substantive discussion with my colleague Sergei Lavrov. There is a mutual understanding of the need to find solution to the issues that are of concern today and move forward,” the minister said.

“Some say that the Union State does not exist anymore. We believe that it is too early to make such conclusions,” Vladimir Makei stressed.

He pointed out that many agreements were reached during the meeting with Sergei Lavrov. “The presidents set conceptual tasks for us. Our task is to implement these instructions, so we talked about specific measures and steps for us to make to fulfill the instructions of the heads of state,” the minister said.

Vladimir Makei specified that the parties talked about many aspects of bilateral relations. Those included border-related issues, cooperation in the international arena, situation in different hot spots in the region and in the world. They also considered matters related to the organization of joint events to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations.