Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 7 July (BelTA) – Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei reaffirmed Belarus’ readiness to strengthen the relations with Latvia in all fields as he met with Latvia President Raimonds Vejonis, BelTA learned from the press service of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“Specific steps have been identified to expand trade, economic, humanitarian, cross-border and interregional cooperation,” the press service said.

The President of Latvia has been informed on the approaches of the Belarusian side to developing the dialogue with the European Union. During the meeting, Raimonds Vejonis emphasized Latvia’s eagerness to advance the good-neighborly relations with Belarus and to raise the political contacts to a higher level.

Vladimir Makei also held negotiations with Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Edgars Rinkevics. “The parties discussed in detail the state and prospects of bilateral relations and cooperation within international organizations. Special attention was paid to the development of inter-ministerial contacts, including in transport and transit, defense, science, culture and education, information and communication technologies,” the press service added.

Particular attention was paid to the prospects of expanding Belarus’ cooperation with the European Union. Edgars Rinkevics spoke in favor of drafting a new basic agreement between the EU and Belarus. The parties exchanged views on topical international and regional issues. The prospects of settling the situation in Ukraine and implementing the Minsk agreements by the parties concerned have been discussed in detail.

During the talks with Latvian Prime Minister Maris Kucinskis, Vladimir Makei proposed to take a series of measures to promote bilateral trade. “An agreement was reached to prepare a list of projects which would make bilateral trade more sustainable. The Latvian head of government supported the idea of greater involvement of Belarus in inter-regional cooperation, including in the format 16 + 1, which includes the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, the Balkans and China,” the press service noted.

Vladimir Makei also met with Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economy Arvils Aseradens and Minister of Transport Uldis Augulis. During the negotiations, the parties discussed the prospects for implementing joint infrastructure projects to use the transit potential of the two states more efficiently. The parties also stressed the importance of bolstering cooperation in trade, investments, transport and logistics.

Vladimir Makei also attended a ceremony to open Leon Bakst’s Time and Art exhibition featuring the works of the distinguished Belarusian artist, scene and costume designer, at the Riga Bourse Museum, and a reception on the occasion of Belarus’ Independence Day.