Events

RIGA, 22 May (BelTA) – Belarus’ negotiations with the European Union on liberalizing visa regulations are close to the final stage, BelTA learned from Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei in Riga on 22 May.

“Several consultations have been held. We have moved rather successfully towards the signing of these agreements [on facilitating visa regulations and on readmission]. I can say that we are actually somewhere close to the final stage. By the way, upon the request of our partners we have started the procedure of internal approval of these documents,” said the Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Vladimir Makei reminded that the initiative to hold Belarus-EU talks on readmission and facilitating visa procedures had been put forward by Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko. “Upon his instruction I made the relevant statements during the Vilnius summit [of the Eastern Partnership Initiative in 2013],” explained the Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Work on the agreements will continue. Vladimir Makei pointed out that the Belarusian side had not delayed the initialing of the agreements. He stressed that Belarus is ready to continue working on the matter together with the European Union. “I think that experts will continue productive cooperation in this direction. But we would like to time it to some memorable, anniversary dates,” said the Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs.