In the face of the SARS-CoV-2 virus pandemic, the talks focused on mutual support for Polish and Belarusian citizens affected by restrictions imposed by individual countries, including the decisions to close the borders. Minister Makei thanked the Polish side for the very good communication during the crisis as well as concrete practical support for Belarusian citizens returning from Poland. The officials agreed that, in spite of the heavy workload for the border, customs and police services, all problems are being gradually sorted out and queues at the border are currently short.  - The MFA works closely with the Ministry of the Interior and Administration and the Border Guard to offer Belarusian citizens all assistance to enable them to return safely and quickly home, -  said Minister Czaputowicz. The talks also provided an opportunity to clarify current, detailed information on the specific rules for crossing Poland’s borders and transiting its territory (passenger and heavy traffic).

The ministers expressed their confidence that the continuation and further development of good political relations and mutual trust constantly remain a shared goal for Warsaw and Minsk. The foreign ministers discussed the status of and prospects for further cooperation, also in such areas as history dialogue, education of minorities, and settling the status of all organisations representing Poles in Belarus.  

Recalling the previous talks between Minister Makei and Minister Naimski, Government Plenipotentiary for Strategic Energy Infrastructure, they discussed Poland’s support for Belarus as regards the supplies of energy resources, including crude oil. Minister Czaputowicz stressed that Poland’s commitment to Belarus enjoys widespread political and social support in our country. He also drew attention to the problems experienced by the Union of Poles in Belarus and the still limited opportunities for teaching Polish at Belarusian state schools.

Also raised were relations between Belarus and the European Union and NATO, further economic cooperation, as well as Belarus’ prospects for joining the World Trade Organisation. Minister Czaputowicz recalled that the importance of Belarus in the international cooperation system and within international organisations will grow in lockstep with the country’s democratisation and greater civil and economic freedoms.

 

Ministry of Foreign Affairs 

Press Office

Photo: Tymon Markowski / MFA