BRUSSELS, 24 November (BelTA) – Leaders of the European Union believe that partnership with eastern neighbors, including Belarus, is important. The relevant statements were made during the Eastern Partnership Initiative summit in Brussels, Belgium on 24 November, BelTA has learned.
Federal Chancellor of Austria Christian Kern told media: “I am absolutely convinced that we need Belarus as an important partner. Tight economic ties are in place and we would like to develop them.” In his words, Austria is extremely interested in the healthy development of the region not only for the sake of stability but also for economic cooperation.
In turn, Federal Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel stressed that the European Union's relations with the Eastern Partnership countries are very important. “On the one hand, we are interested in the wellbeing of the people and in democratic development. On the other hand, it has a lot to do with security,” she stated.
Prime Minister of Estonia (the presiding country in the European Union) Juri Ratas remarked that eastern partnership had been a priority even before the European Union launched the Eastern Partnership Initiative. “Today we can see that eastern partnership has reached the heart of Europe. I truly hope that today we will able to answer the question of how we can make this partnership even stronger for the nations of the six partner countries and the European Union,” noted the politician.
Prime Minister of France Edouard Philippe remarked that his presence at the summit was supposed to demonstrate his country's involvement in partnership with the eastern neighbors. “It is a sign that France would like to continue its partnership in order to contribute to matters of economic development, fight against corruption, and state administration improvements. Progress has already been secured in all these directions and we would like to continue working with our partners,” he stated.
UK Prime Minister Theresa May said that the sides are looking for ways to tackle common challenges in the sphere of security and development. “I am here to say once more that without a doubt the UK intends to play the leading role in keeping up security in Europe. We may leave the European Union but we are not leaving Europe,” said Theresa May.
A joint declaration was passed as a result of the summit. Participants of the summit confirmed the importance of the Eastern Partnership Initiative as a special dimension of the European neighborhood policy. The document mentions the advancement and enhancement of relations between the European Union and the partner states. The sovereign right of every country to independently determine the level of and goals in relations with the European Union is reaffirmed.
Close attention is paid to security and stability in the region. In particular, participants of the summit called for renewed efforts for the sake of peaceful resolution of conflicts on principles and norms of international law.
The declaration also mentions development in economic and social spheres, the improvement of transportation ties, interaction in power engineering, environmental matters, the advancement of interpersonal contacts, including education, culture, science, and youth environment.
