MINSK. Oct 16 (Interfax) - Minsk is ready to interact with NATO in countering terrorism and other new threats, the Belarusian Foreign Ministry said.
According to the ministry, Belarusian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Dapkyunas said so at a meeting with NATO Assistant Secretary General for Emerging Security Challenges Antonio Missiroli.
"Dapkyunas emphasized the Belarusian side's readiness for a constructive dialogue and interaction with NATO on the basis of mutual respect and equality," the Foreign Ministry said.
According to the ministry, the parties noted a gradual trend of improvement of relations between Belarus and NATO and discussed the development of Belarus' cooperation with the NATO member states and partners on various tracks.
"The Belarusian diplomat drew his conversation partner's attention to Belarus' initiatives on the establishment of 'the belt of digital good neighborliness' and the drafting of the declaration on the non-deployment of shorter- and intermediate range missiles to Europe, noting that the Belarusian side's suggestions are aimed at reducing confrontations, restoring confidence and strengthening of friendly ties between the countries," the press service said.
The NATO assistant secretary general is the alliance's highest ranking senior official to visit Belarus in 27 years, the Foreign Ministry said.