MINSK, 19 November (BelTA) – Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei expects that the European Union will lift all the sanctions from Belarus. The official made the relevant statement after meeting with German Minister of Foreign Affairs Frank-Walter Steinmeier. The meeting took place in Berlin the day before, the press service of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs told BelTA.
Vladimir Makei said: “We are extremely interested in normalizing relations with the European Union. We would like to enjoy normal economic relations with the European Union and individual European nations. It would help us be stronger in politics, too.”
The official remarked that the meeting focused on prospects of advancing the dialogue between Belarus and the European Union, Belarus' participation in European integration processes and the country's interaction with Germany in international organizations particularly taking into account Germany's presidency in the OSCE in 2016. A number of topical matters concerning international politics were raised as well. “I hope we've reached mutual understanding in discussing all the problems,” said Vladimir Makei.
The Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs said: “We calmly look into the future and I think we are looking in the same direction. It is very important because a lot happened in the past. There was a period of sanctions that did not contribute positively to the development of our country. I hope that these sanctions will be lifted in the future. It would help us continue developing the country in all areas — politics, economy, human rights and other ones.”
“The most important thing is that both sides are interested in Belarus maintaining normal relations with the European Union. I think this meeting was very important for our future,” he added.
