Lukashenka stated he is ready to take any steps to normalize Belarus-EU relations

He made this statement while accepting the credentials of new foreign ambassadors in Minsk.

Aliaksandr Lukashenka said that Belarus and the EU would have to improve their relations because of the country's proximity to the bloc. "We will have to live together as neighbours," reports BelaPAN with reference to BelTA.

Mr. Lukashenka said that European businesses were interested to expand ties with Belarus. "I don't want to say that the ball is in your court, this is a journalistic cliché. But it is indeed in your court," he noted.

Minsk is frankly interested in the development of neighbourly relations with the EU, Mr. Lukashenka said. "This is due not only to our geographical, historical and cultural proximity, but also to the need to adopt joint measures of response to regional challenges and threats," he added.

Mr. Lukashenka warned that fruitful joint work in the sphere would be possible only on the basis of equal rights and mutual respect. "We have too many external threats. Let's think together how we could fight them instead of leering at each other. That does not suit your or our interests," he said.

Mr. Lukashenka said that Belarus had managed to achieve much progress in relations with the EU in general and its member states, such as France, the Netherlands, Spain and Slovenia, thanks to a "pragmatic" and "positive result-oriented" approach.

According to the Deputy Foreign Minister Alena Kupchina, Belarus will not impede negotiations with EU on visa regime; even though the terms of start of negotiations between Belarus and the EU on visa regime simplification and readmission have not been set yet. Alongside with that, the official has noted that Belarus' position is being coordinated in the corresponding ministries and institutions.