Belarus, Italy for Belarus-EU mutually beneficial dialogue

MINSK, 13 June (BelTA) – Belarus and Italy call for development of a mutually beneficial dialogue between Belarus and the European Union. This mutual intention was voiced during the talks between Foreign Minister of Belarus Sergei Martynov and his Italian counterpart Franco Frattini in Trieste (Italy) on 10 June, BelTA has learnt. The negotiations took place as part of the annual meeting of the Central European Initiative Ministers of Foreign Affairs.

Sergei Martynov told BelTA that the meeting with his Italian colleague highlighted several issues. In particular, the ministers shared opinions on the current situation and relations between the European Union and Belarus.

The sides agreed that the dialogue between the European Union and Belarus should develop. “We have agreed that this dialogue should be reciprocal and mutually beneficial,” Sergei Martynov said.

The ministers noted that if the dialogue should have a critical component, then it should be from both the sides. “We are ready for this dialogue, even with possible criticism to our and our partners’ address. The main thing here is collaboration and interaction,” Sergei Martynov said.

Sergei Martynov stressed during the meeting with Franco Frattini that “the line of sanctions has no prospects and will bring nothing but harm”. He added, “it is time that the policy of sanctions was replaced by a policy of cooperation”.