Belarus is interested in full cooperation with the European Union, which is a major trade, economic, and investment partner of the republic. The statement was made by President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko on January 19 as he accepted credentials from Jose Manuel Pinto Teixeira, Ambassador, Head of the European Commission Representation in Ukraine and Belarus (with the residence in Kyiv).
"Economic advisability is the most important incentive for stepping up the development of our relations," said the head of state, reported Belta.
Alexander Lukashenko confirmed that Belarus is ready to continue the initiated productive dialogue with the European Union on the basis of mutual respect and equality of the parties.
"I hope a lot that the new head of the European Commission Representation in Ukraine and Belarus will do his best to advance the cause," added the President.
The Republic of Belarus continues the sustained development of the productive and comprehensive dialogue with the European Union, taking specific steps to form the steady legal base of the Belarusian-European relations.
On January 6, 2009 Alexander Lukashenko signed the law "Ratification of the agreement between the Republic of Belarus and the Commission of European Communities on the establishment, privileges, and immunities of the Representative Office of the Commission of European Communities in the Republic of Belarus". The document was passed by the parliament in December 2008.
Signed on March 7, 2008, the agreement stipulates, in particular, that Belarus agrees to the establishment of the representative office in the country and provides rights, privileges and immunities, which are outlined by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of April 18, 1961 for diplomatic missions (in particular, inviolability of premises, correspondence and archives, immunity against criminal jurisdiction, tax preferences), to the representative office and its staff on terms of reciprocity.
On November 20, 2008 the President of Belarus signed decree No 633 and decree No 634.
In line with decree No 633 the head of state approved the signing of a framework agreement between the Government of the Republic of Belarus and the Commission of the European Communities on defining the status and conditions for the technical aid the European Union will provide as part of the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument. Thus, the cooperation between Belarus and the European Union will become systematic. It will allow effectively implementing joint projects in spheres of mutual interest, in particular, in such priority areas for both the sides as energy, transport, enhancement of the customs infrastructure, fight against illegal migration and international crime, environmental protection.
Decree No 634 is meant to assimilate the principles laid down by the agreement that Belarus and the Commission of the European Communities signed on March 7, 2008 to regulate the establishment, privileges and immunities of the Representative Office of the Commission of the European Communities in Belarus into the Belarusian legislation. The agreement has not come into force yet. Thus, Belarus creates favourable conditions for the operation of the representative office. The step will enable a more effective dialogue about a wide range of issues regarding relations between Belarus and the European Union.