Opinions & Interviews

Mutual interest in tighter Belarus-Austria relations noted

VIENNA, 12 November (BelTA) – After meeting with Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko on 12 November Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen confirmed his country’s interest in advancing cooperation with Belarus, BelTA has learned.

The Austrian president noted that a number of topics had been discussed during negotiations with the Belarusian delegation. The number included matters of trade and economic cooperation, political interaction, the preservation of common historical memory, and human rights.

Alexander Van der Bellen remarked upon certain rapprochement between Belarus and the European Union. Aleksandr Lukashenko’s visit to Austria is part of the process. “Your visit to Vienna is particularly important to me personally. Primarily after my own visit to Belarus in 2018 to open the memorial in Maly Trostenets,” the Austrian president said. Alexander Van der Bellen remarked that many Austrians know little about that commemorative place for now in comparison with other large concentration camps, which were set up in Europe during the war.

Alexander Van der Bellen also touched upon trade and economic cooperation with Belarus. He stressed that expanding this cooperation is important for Austria. “Your visit will be an important moment in deepening these relations. The European Union also cooperates with Belarus within the framework of the Eastern Partnership Initiative. This kind of cooperation deserves to be more advanced as well,” the Austrian leader stated.

Alexander Van der Bellen pointed out Belarus’ contribution to efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, to the provision of a venue for negotiations of the conflict sides. Alexander Van der Bellen told reporters that the Minsk agreements had paved the way towards resolving the situation.

“We appreciate your interest in deepening the relations and would like to say it is mutual. We will stay in touch. It will not be the last visit to Austria and Belarus,” Alexander Van der Bellen concluded.

print version

make home page

add to bookmarks