Belarus on two stools? Lukashenka wants European integration and cooperation with East
belsat.eu
23 June 2017, 09:19
Belarus’ presidency of the Central European Initiative (CEI) is an additional opportunity to improve the communication with the European Union, president Alyaksandr Lukashenka said on Thursday.
On June 22, Minsk is hosting the meeting of ministers of foreign affairs and heads of national delegations of the member states of the Central European Initiative (CEI). On 1 January 2017, the Presidency of the CEI was assumed by Belarus – CEI Member since 1996. The Chairmanship of the CEI rotates annually at the beginning of the calendar year.
At the same time, he stressed that the ties with Russia counted as well.
23 June 2017, 09:19
On June 22, Minsk is hosting the meeting of ministers of foreign affairs and heads of national delegations of the member states of the Central European Initiative (CEI). On 1 January 2017, the Presidency of the CEI was assumed by Belarus – CEI Member since 1996. The Chairmanship of the CEI rotates annually at the beginning of the calendar year.
“We consider our presidency as a unique chance for Belarus’ effective inclusion in the European integration processes. It is important that the CEI is closely cooperating with the European Union by participating in the implementation of its various programs and projects, including a regional development strategy. For us, this is an additional opportunity to improve mutual understanding with the European Union through action-oriented cooperation,” the Belarusian leader said at the meeting.
At the same time, he stressed that the ties with Russia counted as well.
“The foreign policy of our country has a multi-vector and peaceful nature. We are committed to building friendly, mutually beneficial relations with all states. It is equally important for our country to develop cooperation with the East and the West without making an artificial choice between them,” state-run news agency BelTA quotes Alyaksandr Lukashenka as saying.
