To the west via Russia

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Belarusian foreign minister Ural Latypov talks to Theodore Kim about how proposed closer ties to Russia are affecting western attitudes to Belarus.

Belarusia’s relations with the west are clearly strained and adversely affecting the investment climate. What steps is the government taking to address this?

Much of the antagonism that may exist is due to misconceptions. We have absolutely no border disputes with any of our neighbouring countries. Lithuania, for instance, is a Nato candidate and, at the same time, one of our major trading partners.