When in South Africa, Makei told about creation of a positive atmosphere in Belarus-West relations

As well as about Belarus’ high economic dependence on Russia, which prevents from giving clear assessments of the situation in Ukraine.

- We have taken a lot of positive steps to meet each other halfway. I mean both the European Union and the United States. We have decided to use these steps to create a positive atmosphere in the relations between Belarus and the EU, Belarus and the USA with a view to restore the level of our relations, normalize our relations. I am confident that these steps will help regulate the main issues between our states, - Belarus' Foreign Minister Uladzimir Makei said in an interview to the South-African newspaper Business Day.

The interview is published on the website of the Belarusian Foreign Ministry.
Makei is convinced that some European partners do not consider Belarus as an important state since we have little raw materials and minerals. And here is where the problems come from, Makei believes. However, Belarusan government “takes it in stride”.

- As a consequence, the attitude is differentiated. I mean the attitude of European countries to some other post-Soviet countries with the same and even bigger problems. However, these are large countries and they have resources, and Europe depends on them,” the diplomat expressed his viewpoint.
Uladzimir Makei emphasized, that Belarus would like to continue its dialogue with the West and is ready for this dialogue but on an equal basis. “We want Belarus to be seen as an equal partner with its own national interests,” he stressed.