Belarusian, Russian foreign ministers discuss countering sanctions

December 19, BPN. Belarusian Foreign Minister Siarhiej Alejnik and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov “discussed in detail the topic of countering the West’s illegal sanctions pressure” at a meeting in Minsk on December 19, the Belarusian foreign ministry’s press office reported.

They “emphasized the need to further advance Belarusian-Russian cooperation” in the face of “unprecedented external pressure.”

The top diplomats discussed “specific issues relevant to the current agenda,” such as trade and economic cooperation and the implementation of joint projects.

They agreed to hold a joint board meeting between the ministries in the second half of January 2023.

Siarhiej Alejnik was appointed foreign minister on December 13. His predecessor Uładzimir Makiej suddenly died on November 26.

On December 14, Lavrov sent Alejnik a congratulatory telegram saying that Minsk’s diplomat had contributed significantly to Russian-Belarusian cooperation in his previous capacity of Makiej’s first deputy. Lavrov expressed confidence that the foreign ministries’ fruitful cooperation will continue.