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Lukashenka meets with EEAS deputy secretary general

Alyaksandr Lukashenka met Tuesday in Minsk with Helga Schmid, deputy secretary general of the European External Action Service (EEAS).

"In the light of the recent developments in Europe, you understand that Belarus is one of the countries, one of the chain links that can play an important role in making Europe safe," Mr. Lukashenka said, according to the presidential press office. "I think you will agree that when it comes to war and peace, all other issues fade away. In this regard, a country that is geographically located at the center of Europe cannot be unimportant and cannot not have a say on these issues."

Belarus is ready to make the maximum effort for a common economic area from Lisbon to Vladivostok to be created, Mr. Lukashenka noted.

"As the country that currently chairs the Eurasian Economic Union, Belarus is ready to do the maximum possible to at least move closer to the implementation of this project. I think we can start a serious dialogue on ways of developing such relations," Mr. Lukashenka said.

According to him, Belarus decided to take part in the EU's Eastern Partnership in a hope that it would help create a bridge between the East and the West. "The recent developments suggest that we should not draw additional dividing lines," he said. "The Eastern Partnership should glue and connect countries rather than disconnect them. It is necessary to look for areas of common interest within the framework of the Eastern Partnership and unite its member countries because they will be of use to the European Union, Europe in general and the entire planet." // BelaPAN