German FM: We greatly hope Lukashenka will come to Brussels
German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel in Minsk on 17 November 2017. Photo: Zmicier Lukashuk (Euroradio).
During their meeting, Belarus Foreign Minister Uladzimir Makei and his German counterpart Sigmar Gabriel discussed cooperation and the dialogue between Belarus and EU, interactions in political, economic and other spheres, according to the statement by Minister Makei for reporters. In his turn, Sigmar Gabriel expressed hope that Belarus joins the Council of Europe.
Sigmar Gabriel: “Despite human rights issues... we have managed to lift EU sanctions against Belarus. Now we can cooperate better. I would like Belarus to be one day represented at the Council of Europe. It is 47 members but only one country is not represented. I think one day it will happen. Obviously, complex issues remain: civil rights and human rights, the rule of law and democracy - there is a conflict here but I think we have found ways to discuss these complex topics as well. We are now on the eve of Eastern Partnership summit where Belarus will also be represented. We greatly hope that the head of Belarus will be able to come to Brussels as well. It would be a good signal.”
According to Sigmar Gabriel, Germany highly appreciates the role of Belarus in preserving stability in our region, its efforts to achieve peace in Ukraine.
In the photo: Sigmar Gabriel and Uladzimir Makei in Minsk.
