Belarus will always be a reliable partner for the EU, president Alyaksandr Lukashenka stressed at Monday’s meeting with European Commissioner for Budget and Human Resources Gunther Oettinger in Minsk.
“I am very glad to have this opportunity to meet with you today to discuss possible issues in our relations. However, the word ‘possible’ does not probably fit here. We have always had these issues and will probably have them in the future. However, we have seen in recent times that all the issues are not chronic and can be settled,” state-run news agency BelTA quotes the Belarusian leader.
Saying that ‘neighbours are given by God’, Alyaksandr Lukashenka promised Belarus would always be a reliable partner for the EU and expressed hope that ‘such feelings would be reciprocal’.
Commissioner Oettinger is on a working visit to Belarus on 17-18 February. The itinerary includes meetings with Prime Minister Syarhei Rumas, Finance Minister Maksim Yermalovich and Foreign Deputy Minister Aleh Krauchanka. The parties are expected to discuss the development of political dialogue, trade and economic cooperation as well as interaction in the financial and customs sectors.
Last week the head of state was to attend the Munich Security Conference, but the visit was canceled on short notice. Belarus was represented by KGB Chief Valery Vakulchyk.
