Opinions & Interviews

Ambassador: I see only positive things in the development of Belarusian-Ukrainian relations

VITEBSK, 23 April (BelTA) – Ambassador of Ukraine to Belarus Igor Kizim sees only positive things in the advancement of Belarusian-Ukrainian relations. The ambassador made the relevant statement while talking to reporters after meeting with top officials of the Vitebsk Oblast administration on 23 April, BelTA has learned.

According to the diplomat, in the last few years Ukraine came up with a precise strategy for advancing relations with many countries, including Belarus. He said he saw no reasons to change the strategy after a new head of state was elected. “As an ambassador I’ve analyzed all possible variants of development of Ukrainian-Belarusian relations and see only positive things in them,” Igor Kizim said. “Moreover, I take pride in the fact that in our cooperation everything is falling into place for now after a certain economic downturn in the past. In 2018 Belarus-Ukraine trade was close to $5.5 billion. We hope the growth will continue.”

The reporters wondered whether new Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky may visit this year’s Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk. The former Ukrainian president Leonid Kuchma visited the festival in the past. Igor Kizim stressed that as an ambassador he is interested in contacts of the two countries at the top level since they mobilize resources and strength of municipal authorities and have a positive effect, as a rule. “Our side does not oppose the idea. If an invitation is extended, we will consider it,” the ambassador said.

Igor Kizim met with Vitebsk Oblast Vice Governor Vladimir Penin in Vitebsk on 23 April. The sides discussed prospects of interregional cooperation.

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