Modernization and democratization is the only way for Belarus, says Makei
Head of Presidential Administration points to a huge progress in Belarus, while German officials urge for more at XIII Minsk Forum in the Belarusian capital. This year's Minsk Forum, organized by Belarusian-German Society and German Embassy to Belarus, is focusing on Belarus and the EU after the crisis: challenges and opportunities for politics, economics, society.
The conference was opened by Minsk Forum chairman Prof. Reiner Lindner and German Ambassador to Belarus Christof Weil.
Christof Weil: "At the upcoming presidential election you will be deciding on the fate of the country in the next several years and how it will be perceived in the world. I am wishing the Minsk Forum to become a success!"
Uladzimir Makei, Head of Presidential Administration, also touched on the topic of presidential election.
Uladzimir Makei: "The presidential election was already mentioned here. The key moment of this campaign and the Belarusian strategy even is Wohlstand fur Alle or "welfare for all". This idea was authored by Ludwig Erchard. The Belarusian state intends to ensure entrepreneurial freedom for every citizen... Simultaneously, the state will meet its social commitments to pay out wages, pensions and assistance".
In the view of Uladzimir Makei, the EU should not wait out for the outcome of election before making decisions on how to cooperate with Belarus. We need to cooperate already now, said head of presidential administration.
"The course of the Belarusian leadership is invariable. From our side, there is no talk about any regress in a dialogue with the EU. Further steps towards modernization and democratization will be continued. There is no other way for a country like Belarus", said Uladzimir Makei.
German technologies, innovations and experience could help Belarus in this, said the Belarusian official.
He also stressed a huge progress over the past two years in comparisson with previous twelve years.
Uladzimir Makei: "We are reproached with being not democratic enough, not meeting European values and having a regress in relations with the EU. I reckon these are irresponsible statements. If we look at the dynamics in all fields, it is clear that serious gradual changes have taken place here over the past two years. And, they can't be compared to a zero result of the previous twelve years, associated with isolation attempts and sanctions".
Uladzimir Makei added that Belarus expected an eased visa regime for Belarus and definitive lifting of sanctions against Belarusian officials, the liberalization of mutual trade, and the talks on WTO.
Federal Minister Romald Pofalla noted that death penalty was a significant obstacle for developing relations between Belarus and the EU. At the same time, the presidential election should become a lytmus paper of how the implementation of EU's expectations could be measured.
The conference was opened by Minsk Forum chairman Prof. Reiner Lindner and German Ambassador to Belarus Christof Weil.
Christof Weil: "At the upcoming presidential election you will be deciding on the fate of the country in the next several years and how it will be perceived in the world. I am wishing the Minsk Forum to become a success!"
Uladzimir Makei, Head of Presidential Administration, also touched on the topic of presidential election.
Uladzimir Makei: "The presidential election was already mentioned here. The key moment of this campaign and the Belarusian strategy even is Wohlstand fur Alle or "welfare for all". This idea was authored by Ludwig Erchard. The Belarusian state intends to ensure entrepreneurial freedom for every citizen... Simultaneously, the state will meet its social commitments to pay out wages, pensions and assistance".
In the view of Uladzimir Makei, the EU should not wait out for the outcome of election before making decisions on how to cooperate with Belarus. We need to cooperate already now, said head of presidential administration.
"The course of the Belarusian leadership is invariable. From our side, there is no talk about any regress in a dialogue with the EU. Further steps towards modernization and democratization will be continued. There is no other way for a country like Belarus", said Uladzimir Makei.
German technologies, innovations and experience could help Belarus in this, said the Belarusian official.
He also stressed a huge progress over the past two years in comparisson with previous twelve years.
Uladzimir Makei: "We are reproached with being not democratic enough, not meeting European values and having a regress in relations with the EU. I reckon these are irresponsible statements. If we look at the dynamics in all fields, it is clear that serious gradual changes have taken place here over the past two years. And, they can't be compared to a zero result of the previous twelve years, associated with isolation attempts and sanctions".
Uladzimir Makei added that Belarus expected an eased visa regime for Belarus and definitive lifting of sanctions against Belarusian officials, the liberalization of mutual trade, and the talks on WTO.
Federal Minister Romald Pofalla noted that death penalty was a significant obstacle for developing relations between Belarus and the EU. At the same time, the presidential election should become a lytmus paper of how the implementation of EU's expectations could be measured.
