Events

Russia backs Belarus’ proposal to arrange videoconference meeting of EAEU heads of state

Vladimir Makei and Dmitry Mezentsev. An archive photo

MINSK, 10 April (BelTA) – Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei has talked to Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Russia to Belarus Dmitry Mezentsev on the phone, the press service of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs told BelTA.

The conversation touched upon a broad range of bilateral matters as well as Belarus-Russia interaction within the framework of the United Nations Organization and other international organizations. The agenda and the schedule of contacts between top officials of the Belarusian and Russian ministries of foreign affairs in the near future were discussed. The mutual eagerness to proceed with the relevant planned measures and events within the approved timeframe was confirmed.

The Russian side backed the Belarus president’s initiative in favor of arranging a videoconference meeting of the heads of state of the Eurasian Economic Union taking into account the spread of the coronavirus infection. An agreement was reached that the sides will continue working together to prepare the meeting.

The conversation also touched upon preparations for celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945 and the implementation of a number of joint initiatives and events.

The importance of advancing cooperation in the implementation of major bilateral projects, including the construction of the Belarusian nuclear power plant, was stressed.

Vladimir Makei and Dmitry Mezentsev talked at length about coordinating efforts to help citizens of Belarus and Russia, who are stranded in faraway countries and unable to come home yet, return to the home countries. Objective difficulties in resolving a number of issues were mentioned. The sides agreed it is important to continue systemic interaction between Belarus and Russia, between the ministries of foreign affairs and the diplomatic missions of both countries in this time of need.

BelTA reported earlier that the possibility of arranging a meeting of the EAEU heads of state in order to discuss emerging economic challenges was discussed during a phone conversation between Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko and Armenia Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on 31 March.

Aleksandr Lukashenko put forward the initiative as the leader of the country presiding over the Eurasian Economic Union. The Belarusian leader stressed that there are urgent matters that need to be discussed in detail at the top level.

In continuation of the conversation Aleksandr Lukashenko instructed Chairman of the Board of the Eurasian Economic Commission Mikhail Myasnikovich to get in touch with each side in order to discuss the matter with them and convey the views Aleksandr Lukashenko and Nikol Pashinyan had presented. The Belarusian side suggested a videoconference as a possible option for arranging the meeting.

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