Following the negotiations with Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics, Foreign Minister of Belarus Vladimir Makei stated that Belarus must do everything possible to establish friendly relations between Russia and Ukraine. The Belarusian Foreign Minister also stressed that the position of Belarus regarding the events in Ukraine remains unchanged.
Vladimir Makei, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus:
"We are obliged to do everything in order that peace and harmony prevail in Ukraine as soon as possible, so that the relations between these states have a friendly character. Russia and Ukraine are our closest partners and neighbours in the post-Soviet Union area. They are our most important trade and economic partners. Of course, we are categorically opposed to the situation that exists today."
The parties discussed a wide range of issues and exchanged views on the situation in the region and the prospects for cooperation between Belarus and the EU. Edgars Rinkevics paid special attention to cooperation in security. The two countries exchange information regularly and cooperate in the control of airspace. Latvia does not have any objections against Belarus hosting the Belarusian-Russian military exercises West-2017.
Edgars Rinkevics, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia:
"We have no more questions to Belarus about the West-2017 drills. My colleague explained in great detail the position of the state, and I am pleased. We respect the choice that our neighbours have in the sphere of security."
The meeting ended with a ceremony marking the postage stamp in honour of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Belarus and Latvia. It was attended by the heads of the Foreign Ministry of the two countries and Minister of Communications and Informatization of Belarus Sergei Popkov.












