Belarus and Latvia intend to resolve issues related to visa regime

19 февраля 2015

Belarus and Latvia intend to consider issues related to visa regime liberalization, readmission and mutual mobility of the citizens of Belarus and the European Union at the nearest Eastern Partnership summit in Riga. This was stated by the Foreign Ministers of Belarus and Latvia after today’s talks in Minsk.

Besides, as Chair of the European Union Council, the official Riga will make every effort to expand trade, economic, investment and political ties between Belarus and the European Union. In turn, Belarus hopes for equal relations within the Eastern Partnership initiative on the part of the EU with due regard to national interests and priorities, Belarusian Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei said.

Foreign Minister of Latvia Edgars Rinkevics emphasized Belarus’ stance and constructive role in addressing the Ukrainian conflict, including the Normandy format summit in Minsk. According to him, compliance with Minsk agreements and normalization of the situation in Ukraine will influence future relations between the two regional associations – the EU and the Eurasian Economic Union.

Discussing the issue of political detente in the relations between the EU and Belarus, Vladimir Makei stressed that as an independent state Belarus is not going to fulfill any requirements that are outside its constitution, laws and international obligations. His Latvian counterpart pointed out that all unresolved contradictions should and will be addressed through an open dialogue, not ultimatums. Such a dialogue between the neighbors has been established and is developing.