Belarus-Russia Forum of Regions due in Minsk Oblast, Minsk on 28-29 September

The foreign ministers discussed a wide range of matters of Belarus-Russia relations and cooperation within the Union State, the EAEU, the CIS, and the CSTO as well as in the international arena, including within the UN and the OSCE. The parties expressed willingness to continue joint work to lift restrictions on travel across the Belarusian-Russian border and resume transport communication. “The agenda of the meeting also included the organization of the 7th edition of the Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia due in Minsk and Minsk Oblast on 28-29 September 2020. The parties spoke at length about interregional ties that make up an important part of the Belarusian-Russian relations and help exploit the potential of the bilateral cooperation in trade, economy, and humanitarian affairs,” the press service said.

Vladimir Makei and Sergei Lavrov also outlined the schedule of contacts at various levels, including a joint session of the boards of the Belarusian and Russian ministries of foreign affairs scheduled for October-November 2020. The parties stressed the effectiveness of interaction between the two foreign ministries, successful implementation of all agreements, and mutual interest in cooperation. They agreed that it is necessary to continue an active dialogue in order to address the existing issues concerning the trade and economic cooperation, including the ones caused by the epidemiological situation.

“Vladimir Makei and Sergei Lavrov exchanged information about the ongoing processes in Belarus, including on the external borders of the Union State. They expressed regret that the election in a post-Soviet country had been once again used by the external and internal forces to attempt to destabilize the social, political, and economic situation in the country,” the press service informed. Vladimir Makei spoke about measures Belarus is taking to stabilize the situation in the country, the modalities of the future dialogue on the constitutional reform, and contacts with Western partners and international structures regarding these issues. He also thanked Russia for its balanced, reasonable, and consistent stance, for its support for Belarus' sovereignty and independence, and for criticism of external pressure on Belarus.

The parties noted that an attempt to implement the aggressive scenario of a color revolution in Belarus had been foiled. In view of this, they also focused on regional and international security. The foreign ministers expressed confidence, that all Belarus-Russia agreements in the bilateral, multilateral, and integration formats as well as allied obligations will facilitate the stabilization of the situation in Belarus.