Events

MINSK, 7 July (BelTA) – There are no big fundamental problems in the Belarusian-Latvian relations, Belarus’ Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei said at a press conference during his visit to Latvia, BelTA has learned.

According to the Minister, there were no prohibited topics during the talks. The parties discussed all issues related to bilateral relations and work in various international organizations, regional security. “I should note that there are no any big fundamental problems in our relations. There are small things that require a response. But it is not the problems which have a negative impact on our bilateral relations,” Vladimir Makei said.

“Our meetings held alternately in Minsk and Riga or at various international venues have already become a good tradition. But I want to emphasize that I cannot remember such an open substantive atmosphere in which all meetings and negotiations with my colleague and between our delegations were held. It is very gratifying,” he noted.

According to the Minister, the parties have agreed to actively work on the implementation of joint bilateral and multilateral projects in the areas of trade and economic cooperation, various border issues, transport and logistics, information and communications technology. “We discussed a number of specific steps to be taken in this direction,” the Belarusian minister said.

The two countries will continue preparing for the 7th Belarusian-Latvian business forum scheduled for September 2016. Work is underway to prepare the next meeting of the joint intergovernmental commission on economic and sci-tech cooperation that will take place in autumn as well. “We have agreed to develop a list of projects in the run-up to these events to promote trade between our countries and further develop all-round trade and economic cooperation,” the minister said.

During the talks Special attention was paid to the development of dialogue between various ministries and agencies of Belarus and Latvia. “It is very important. The Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the two countries enjoy almost ideal relations. We need the same relations between other ministries and departments to have a decent level of trust and understanding in all areas and sectors. We have agreed on concrete steps in this direction. In the near future we will sign several additional agreements on cooperation between various government bodies of Belarus and Latvia,” said Vladimir Makei.