Belarus’ Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei had a telephone conversation with Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy / Vice-President of the European Commission, BelTA learned from the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus.

The conversation focused on the state and prospects of Belarus-EU relations.

“The Belarusian side reaffirmed its commitment to an equitable and mutually respectful dialogue with the EU. It was noted that sanctions are futile and counterproductive for Belarus-EU relations,” the ministry informed.

At the request of his European counterpart, Vladimir Makei explained that Belarus’ decision to achieve the parity of staff in the diplomatic missions of Poland and Lithuania in Belarus and the Belarusian diplomatic missions in the above-mentioned states was exclusively a response measure; it was not meant against the EU and wasn’t aimed to curtail dialogue with the European Union. It was prompted by a particularly negative role the leaders of the above-mentioned countries decided to play in relations with Belarus.

The parties agreed to preserve communication channels.