Events

MINSK, 19 July (BelTA) – Preparations are underway for the visit of Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko to Latvia, Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Edgars Rinkevics told reporters following talks with his Belarusian counterpart Vladimir Makei in Riga on 19 July, BelTA has learned.

According to the minister, top on the agenda of the meeting were preparations for the exchange of highest-level visits. He recalled that in February Belarus hosted Latvian Prime Minister Maris Kucinskis who extended an invitation to Alexander Lukashenko to visit Latvia.

“The preparations have been going on for quite a long time. The agenda should be packed. We have commissions in charge of it,” Edgars Rinkevics said.

Vladimir Makei noted that Belarus is interested in making this highest-level visit happen, however, the visit is not an end in itself. “We have discussed the conditions on which such a visit is possible. It is important to focus on results. Therefore, we will work on it without hustle,” the Belarusian minister said.

“We believe that it is normal when neighboring states that have friendly relations arrange such events. After all, our trade and economic contacts are on the rise, we have close humanitarian ties. Latvian business has a strong presence in Belarus. So does our business here. Such visits give a fresh impetus to cooperation,” the Belarusian diplomat said.