MINSK, 15 February (BelTA) - Belarusian Defense Minister Lieutenant General Viktor Khrenin revealed the details of the telephone conversation with Ukraine's Defense Minister Aleksei Reznikov as he talked to reporters in Minsk on 15 February, BelTA has learned.
"I understand that you want to learn more details but we agreed with the defense minister of Ukraine that we will give them in a measured manner. Indeed, the conversation was the initiative of the defense minister of Ukraine. Of course, I supported it in order to relieve certain tensions because of the current exercise and the military-political situation around our countries in general. We talked over a number of sore points and discussed the prospects for resuming military cooperation. We showed that we are open to dialogue, and decided to continue it in the future," Viktor Khrenin said.
As it has been reported that on 14 February the defense minister of Belarus and Ukraine had a telephone conversation Belarus. The parties discussed the current state of military cooperation, the existing "sore points" and steps to strengthen the atmosphere of trust and security in the region.
During the conversation, Viktor Khrenin noted that the people of Ukraine have always been a kin people for Belarus. Belarus has not initiated tensions in the relations with Ukraine. Ukrainian Defense Minister Aleksei Reznikov spoke in favor of resuming cooperation between the two countries and intensifying cooperation on the issues of security and mutual trust.
Viktor Khrenin stressed that Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko has repeatedly stated: “The important task is not to lose the brotherly nation of Ukraine. All the issues can be solved, including problems in economy, trade, and diplomatic relations. The spiritual ties between our peoples must stay strong. We cannot let the fraternal ties between the two peoples break.”
The ministers discussed the Armed Forces training events. They expressed confidence that these events do not threaten the security of the brotherly countries. The ministers outlined steps to increase transparency and mutual trust.
The talks were held to restore an atmosphere of dialogue, reduce the degree of public hostile rhetoric and ensure security in the region.
