Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 26 August (BelTA) – The Minsk Agreement is the only way for peaceful settlement of the conflict in the east of Ukraine, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said during his meeting with Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei in Kiev on 26 August, BelTA learnt from the press service of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“Ukraine President Petro Poroshenko thanked Belarus for the excellent organization of the Minsk talks on Ukraine. He stressed that the Minsk agreement is the only way for peaceful settlement of the conflict,” the ministry said.

Vladimir Makei emphasized Belarus’ readiness to continue to do its best for peace in brotherly Ukraine.

The parties discussed intensification of the political dialogue, including at the highest level, the expansion of inter-parliamentary contacts, measures to enhance trade and economic cooperation, including the removal of artificial barriers in mutual trade.

Participants also talked over the prospects for further normalization of relations between Belarus and the EU and the United States with the assistance of Ukraine.

The parties stressed the importance of expanding humanitarian cooperation, the study of the Belarusian language in Ukraine and Ukrainian in Belarus.

The participants of the meeting agreed to intensify the process of demarcation of the Belarusian-Ukrainian state border.

The President of Ukraine emphasized the important role of the Belarusian diplomatic mission in Kiev and its head, Ambassador of Belarus to Ukraine Valentin Velichko, in developing bilateral relations. Valentin Velichko has been working in this position for 15 years.

On behalf of the President of Belarus Vladimir Makei presented a gift of the Head of State, a Slutsk belt, to the President of Ukraine on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Ukraine's independence.