It is vital to continue economic cooperation with Ukraine, Belarusan Deputy Foreign Minister says

photo by reporter.by

When meeting the students and faculty at Homel State University, the minister spoke in favour of pragmatic and friendly relations with Ukraine.

The Belarusians should always have pragmatic, close and friendly relations with the Ukrainian people because “we are neighbours,” Belarusian Deputy Foreign Minister Aliaksandr Mihnevich said on Tuesday, February 25, BelaPAN said. 

When asked a question about the most recent developments in Ukraine and Belarusian-Ukrainian relations, Mr. Mihnevich replied that the foreign ministry had not been given specific instructions regarding the portrayal of the situation in Ukraine. 

In its most recent statements, the ministry stressed that no one should interfere in Ukraine’s internal affairs, that Ukrainians should resolve their disagreements by constitutional methods, that outside forces should not try to influence the situation in Ukraine, and that there should be no threats to the safety of citizens of Belarus in Ukraine, Mr. Mihnevich said. 

He said that the foreign ministry would issue a special statement and explain its stance on Ukraine after the formation of a new Ukrainian government, the election of a prime minister and the publication of the government’s program. 

“The most important thing is to continue active economic cooperation, Mr. Mihnevich said. “We had a trade of $7 billion, it has fallen slightly now, but it [Ukraine] is a huge economic partner for us. We have similar mentalities, mixed families and no dividing lines, only pluses.”