Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 20 November (BelTA) – Belarus is ready to become the platform to bring together economic interests of the Eurasian Economic Union and the European Union. The statement was made by Belarusian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Guryanov at the press conference held on 20 November to highlight results of the Austrian-Belarusian-Russian business forum that took place in Vienna on 14 November, BelTA has learned.

“Belarus is working on the idea of becoming a place that, apart from resolving political differences, will be the platform to bring together economic interests of two integration associations. We are convinced that colleagues from the European Union will back it up. The relevant desire does exist on our part, I mean Belarus, Russia, and Kazakhstan, and now Armenia,” stated Alexander Guryanov.

Speaking about the experience of holding the trilateral forum, Alexander Guryanov said it was positive. “Even seats were in short supply. The forum gathered not only representatives of the private sector but government agencies of the three countries. We talked about various opportunities, including with regard to the development of concrete territories of the three countries,” he stated. Alexander Guryanov said it was the common view that in the future such experience should be expanded, with more participating countries invited.

Speaking about Belarusian-Austrian cooperation, Alexander Guryanov remarked that it has been rapidly advancing in the last few years. In his words, interaction between Belarusian and Austrian businesses is now complemented by active exchanges at the official level. “The Belarusian Foreign Minister is expected to visit Vienna next week to take part in the Central European Initiative summit. Solid negotiations with business and official circles of Austria have been planned,” noted the Belarusian Deputy Foreign Minister.