German MFA head: Belarus–EU rapprochement possible if reforms carried out

German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle sent his greetings to the participants of the 12th Minsk Forum, which opened on November 4.

Belarus–EU political rapprochement and economic integration may “become real if further progress is demonstrated and reforms are carried out in Belarus”, the diplomat said.

“This process relies on modernization of political, economic, and public sectors,” the minister noted. In his opinion, the Eastern Neighbourhood policy “offers an opportunity for creation of a new basis of Belarus–EU relations”.

A great merit of the Minsk Forum is that it promotes of the European dialogue combining “national and European responsibility”, the head of the German Foreign Office thinks. “Germany is its active participant, it proceeds from an idea that a dialogue between states and societies is a necessary prerequisite for cross- border cooperation and mutual understanding.”

Westerwelle said Germany would like to contribute to the “process of modernization and liberalization of European Belarus and creation of conditions for free self-development of the Belarusians that will facilitate well-being of the country and therefore the welfare and security in Europe”.