Lukashenko hopes for meaningful dialogue between Belarus, EU

         Belarus hopes for the start of a good dialogue with the European Union, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said as he met with Deputy Secretary General for the European External Action Service Helga Schmid. I hope that it is the beginning of a good dialogue with the European Union, the President pointed out:       

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      I think that it is a good thing that we are making progress. At least, now the relations between Belarus and the European Union are less unclear than they were earlier. I want you to know that Belarus is ready to build relations with the EU on an equal and non-discriminatory basis. In the light of the recent events in Europe you understand that Belarus is one of the countries that can play an important part in building up a safe Europe. All other matters lose their urgency once it comes to the issues of war and peace. In this respect the country which is geographically situated in the center of Europe cannot but have some weight and influence in such matters.

      For her part, Helga Maria Schmid thanked the Belarusian side for “the contribution to the settlement of the complex crisis in the European region.”