Events

MINSK, 20 February (BelTA) – Belarusian Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei asked reporters not to link Belarus’ position on Ukraine to its intention to restore the relations with the EU. The minister made the statement after his meeting with Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics on 19 February, BelTA has learned.

“These are two different things, Belarus’ relations with the European Union and our position on Ukraine. Do not link them,” the minister stressed. In his words, Belarus’ position on Ukraine has been clearly outlined before and is aimed, first of all, at putting an end to the conflict in this brotherly country as soon as possible and not to make the war affect Belarus. In his words, the two countries have been enjoying long-standing ties in various areas and on top of everything else Ukraine is Belarus’ second largest trade and economic partner. “Relations with the European Union are an absolutely different issue for us,” Vladimir Makei said.

He denied the statement “We are taking this position on Ukraine and you (the EU) change your attitude towards Belarus” and stressed that Belarus does not seek any political dividends from the matter.

Vladimir Makei assured that Belarus would be guided by its interests in the position on Ukraine.