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Ukraine interested in developing relations with Belarus - Poroshenko

Poroshenko promised assistance in expanding Belarus’ relations with the European Union countries in the format of the Eastern Partnership

KIEV, December 21. /TASS/. Ukraine is “sincerely interested” to develop trade, economic, political and defence relations with Belarus, the press service of the Ukrainian head of state quoted President PetroPoroshenko as saying at extended talks between the two countries’ delegations on Sunday.

Poroshenko promised assistance in expanding Belarus’ relations with the European Union countries in the format of the Eastern Partnership. “We are interested in supporting Belarus, if it thinks it possible, in developing relations within the frameworks of the Eastern Partnership,” he said, adding he was referring to “mechanisms of mutually beneficial use of technologies, laws, financial resources at various level of partnership.” “Starting from integrated administration to energy efficiency. We, on our part, have reached ceratin success in this sphere,” Poroshenko noted.

The delegations discussed a range of cooperation issues, including cooperation in the energy and defence sectors, interregional cooperation, cooperation in machine-building, the press service said.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko pledged his country would be a “reliable and fair partner to Ukraine both in political and in economic matters.” “We are absolutely transparent. You can fully rely on us,” he underscored.