Lavrov: saying that relations between Belarus and West are hurting Russia's interests means living in black and white
DVORIKI VILLAGE (Vladimir region). Aug 24 (Interfax) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov believes that the statements saying that Belarus is turning westward in its foreign policies are groundless.
"Only people who don't understand any logic other than friend or foe can say that. The slogan 'Either you are with us or against us' is the foundation of most problems in the European space," Lavrov said while meeting with participants in the young people's forum Territory of Meanings in the Klyazma area.
He said "it's what contradicts the political declarations to ensure equal indivisible security. When no one works against another's security and when everyone has the right to choose who to be friends with, but within the framework of common indivisible security," Lavrov said.
He recalled the main provisions of the foreign policies of Russia and Belarus, in accordance with which both countries "are developing relations with everyone who is ready for it on the basis of equal rights, mutual profit and mutual respect. We have no prejudices, moreover, we are interested in Belarus normalizing its relations with the West," Lavrov said.
Lavrov pointed out that Russia consistently spoke in favor of continuing contacts between the West and Minsk in the situation concerning permanent sanctions on Belarusian companies.
"In all meetings with the EU and with the Americans we said it's a deadlock path and you should involve not isolate. We actively sought the involvement of Belarus in the work of the Council of Europe, of which it is currently not a member, joining it to some Council of Europe conventions, which is acceptable to member countries," the minister said.
In this regard, "saying that relations between Belarus and the West are hurting Russian interests means acting with a black and white perception of the modern world, and the world is much richer and more diverse," he said.
"In a mutually dependent and globalized world, living in some medieval categories, like saying 'you went for a walk with this friend, this means you don't love me' is nonsense." Lavrov said.