Minsk counts on gradual increase in political contacts with Western capitals

Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei took part in the meeting of Foreign Ministers of the Visegrad Group (the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Poland) and the Eastern Partnership member countries. Minsk has repeatedly emphasised its interest in pragmatic cooperation with European capitals. Amid lingering economic crisis, the Belarusian leadership has shown greater willingness to participate in the Eastern Partnership initiative. However, Minsk is rather interested in strengthening economic cooperation with the EU and gradually develop political contacts in order to avoid undue irritation in the Kremlin.