Events

MINSK, 16 June (BelTA) – Belarus counts on Czechia’s support in dealings with European economic institutions, BelTA learned from Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei after his visit to Czechia.

While in Czechia, Vladimir Makei held a number of meetings including a meeting with his Czech counterpart Lubomir Zaoralek. “We discussed interaction with various European economic and financial institutions. We hope for support of our Czech friends in handling several matters, which are important for the economic development of Belarus and for bolstering the country’s sovereignty and independence,” Vladimir Makei said.

Apart from that, the negotiations touched upon Belarus’ interaction with the European Union and the Council of Europe. “Sensitive matters for our European partners were discussed as well. We have uniform understanding of how we should move in order to secure further progress in our relations,” said Vladimir Makei. Belarus’ interaction with the World Trade Organization (WTO) was also touched upon during the talks. “We hope for Czechia’s assistance with faster accession of Belarus to the WTO,” said the Belarusian minister of foreign affairs.

During the negotiations close attention was paid to trade and economic cooperation, preparation and implementation of projects that can benefit the private sectors of Belarus and Czechia, and the removal of the hindrances that still prevent Czech private companies from stepping up their presence in Belarus. Vladimir Makei said he was confident that soon Belarus and Czechia will overcome the negative dynamics of falling trade, which still lingers in the bilateral relations, and will restore previous performance figures.