MINSK, 22 April (BelTA) – Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei has talked to Vice President of the European Commission, European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell over the phone. Vladimir Makei and Josep Borrell discussed the advancement of Belarus-EU relations, including the joint response to consequences of the spread of the coronavirus infection, the press service of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs told BelTA.
The diplomats exchanged views about prospects of stepping up trade, economic, credit, and investment cooperation. Vladimir Makei urged the European Union to promptly finish the enactment of the Belarus-EU agreements on visa facilitation and on readmission. The sides discussed prospects of signing Belarus-EU partnership priorities. Cooperation within the framework of the Eastern Partnership Initiative was discussed, including preparations for a ministerial meeting and an Eastern Partnership summit.
Josep Borrell was supposed to visit Belarus in late April. He said that the visit had been postponed due to the unfavorable epidemiological situation. The sides agreed to coordinate new dates of the visit later on.
In turn, representatives of the Delegation of the European Union to Belarus reminded that the European Union had created a support package for six Eastern Partnership countries. As much as €80 million has been earmarked for covering immediate needs in the healthcare system while €883 million has been earmarked for covering short-term needs in the social and economic sphere. Belarus will get over €60 million out of the package.
The vice president of the European Commission mentioned he is committed to signing Belarus-EU partnership priorities. Josep Borrell and Vladimir Makei discussed Belarus' dedication to continuing the dialogue about human rights and democracy. Belarus' continued vigorous participation in the Eastern Partnership Initiative and its constructive role in the region were also mentioned.
