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Alexander Lukashenko and Edgars Rinkevics. Minsk, 20.02.2015. Photo: flickr.com

During the meeting, Rinkevics emphasized the potential in cooperation between Latvia and Belarus, which are currently constructive. He said that Latvia approves of Belarus' balanced position in regard to the Ukraine issue, as well as its efforts to find a diplomatic solution to the crisis. At the same time, the minister pointed out that Belarus' involvement in looking for solutions to the Ukraine crisis should be congratulated, and added that the most important is for all the sides involved to observe the agreed upon ceasefire.

As LETA was informed by the Foreign Ministry, Rinkevics also informed the Belarus side that the EU is ready to expand relations with Belarus. The foreign minister expressed hope that an improvement in relations between the EU and Belarus will also have a positive impact for the region. At the same time, the minister pointed out that specific steps by the Belarus government in strengthening rule of law and improving human rights standards, including the release of political prisoners, will open a path towards strengthening relations between the EU and Belarus.

Also during the meeting, Rinkevics confirmed to Lukashenko that Latvia will try to achieve specific results in improving EU relations with Belarus during its EU presidency period.

Rinkevics expressed support to Belarus' integration into the World Trade Organization, and added that Latvia is ready to share its experience on implementing the necessary reforms.

Edgars Rinkevics also emphasised that measures taken by the Belarusian Government towards strengthening the rule of law and compliance with human rights standards, including the release of political prisoners, will enable the further strengthening of EU-Belarus relations.

Edgars Rinkevics confirmed that, during its Presidency, Latvia will seek tangible progress with the improvement of relations between the EU and Belarus. The Minister called on Belarus to share this effort so that the EU-Belarus agreements on visa facilitation and readmission may be initiated at the Riga Summit.

Latvia highly values the efforts of Belarus to promote multilateral cooperation in the framework of the Eastern Partnership, especially proposals for the harmonisation of the digital market between the EU and the Eastern Partnership countries and the initiative of organizing an informal political dialogue in Minsk.

The Foreign Minister and the President also exchanged opinions on the bilateral relations between Latvia and Belarus – the political dialogue, business and cross-border cooperation, cooperation in border management, agriculture, environmental protection, education, science, and culture.