MINSK, 16 January (BelTA) – Belarus is interested in expanding the instruments of financial and technical assistance from the European Union, Belarusian Prime Minister Sergei Rumas said as he met with Latvian Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins on 16 January, BelTA has learned.
“We are interested in more instruments of financial and technical assistance from the European Union and would like to make the most of the opportunities offered by the Eastern Partnership in order to grow the Belarusian economy. We really appreciate Latvia's assistance in this field,” Sergei Rumas said.
He expressed gratitude to Latvia for its constructive position in facilitating a large-scale dialogue between Belarus and the European Union. Latvia supports Belarus' efforts to remove all obstacles impeding investment and credit cooperation with the EU member states.
“I hope that our meetings will greatly contribute to the efforts to arrange the visit of the head of state and his meeting with your president in the near future,” the Belarusian head of government added.
Krisjanis Karins noted that Belarus is a very important neighbor for Latvia. “We are really happy to see an independent, stable and prosperous Belarus. Just like you I hope that this visit will help strengthen relations between our countries,” the Latvian premier said.
Krisjanis Karins emphasized that Latvia is interested not only in closer ties with Belarus, but also in broader contacts between Belarus and the European Union, in particular as part of the Eastern Partnership project. “We are actively involved in it and we are curious to see progress in Belarus-EU relations. Naturally, we are very interested in promoting the positive agenda between Belarus and NATO,” Krisjanis Karins added.
