Source: newsbel.by

The first meeting of the EC–Belarus Coordination Group was held in Brussels on 6-7 April 2016. Belarus at the meeting was represented by Ms. Alena Kupchyna, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. The EU delegation was led by the Deputy Secretary General of the European External Action Service, Ms. Helga Schmid.

The Coordination Group has discussed the whole range of bi-lateral relations, including cooperation in the agreed areas on modernization, the state and prospects of sector dialogues, participation of Belarus in the Easter Partnership EU technical assistance programmes, as well as the human rights issues. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus, the meeting has started a new, structured and complex dialogue with the EC and confirmed the intention of the both sides to intensify the cooperation.

In terms of research and innovation, the Coordination Group has agreed to start a sector dialogue aimed to increase Belarus participation in EU-funded RTI programmes. This initiative was expressed in 2015 by  the State Committee on Science and Technology of Belarus.

The dialogue will be formally launched at a conference to be held in Minsk later in 2016. 

Source: MFA