Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus V.Makei participates in the Eastern Partnership Ministerial Meeting

23-05-2016

On May 23, 2016 the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, Vladimir Makei, took part in the 7th Annual Eastern Partnership (EaP) Ministerial Meeting, which was held in Brussels.

In his plenary statement at the Ministerial, Vladimir Makei outlined the approaches of Belarus towards development of relations with the European Union and future perspectives for the Eastern Partnership.

In particular, the Minister positively assessed the adjustments in implementation of the Eastern Partnership with account of the decisions of the 2015 EaP Riga Summit and in context of the European Neighbourhood Policy review. He welcomed stronger emphasis on differentiation, stabilization and economic development. At the same time he called for preserving the integrity of the initiative and preventing the emergence of new dividing lines in the region. The Minister voiced support for regional projects, which would foster the development of trade, attraction of investments, enhancement of transit capacities, solution of environmental and migration issues.

In the context of normalizing relations between Belarus and the EU, the Minister noted the expediency of launching consultations to define the format and scope of a future basic agreement between the Republic of Belarus and the European Union.

On the margins of the event, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus held a series of working meetings with senior officials of the EU institutions, ministers of foreign affairs of the EU Member States and Eastern Partnership countries.

During the visit to Brussels, the Minister also met with the Vice President of the European Commission – European Commissioner for Energy Union Maroš Šefčovič. The sides discussed the perspectives of developing energy dialogue and cooperation between the Republic of Belarus and the European Union. The Head of Belarusian diplomatic service informed the European Commission in detail on the measures undertaken by Belarus to ensure the safety of the Belarusian Nuclear Power Plant, which is currently being constructed in Ostrovets, in line with international requirements and standards.

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