Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Czech Republic in Minsk, Belarus Jiri Karas expressed hope that Belarus will become a member of the European Union. He stated this during a meeting with reporters in Minsk.

As the Belarusian Telegraph Agency Belta , in particular, J. Karas said: I think about that day when the Belarusians will not pay for a visa for entry into the European Union. I hope that Belarus will become an EU member. I hope so, if only because it is very sincere love of Belarus.

According to him, for entering Belarus in the EU requires that such a desire, first expressed the citizens of Belarus, and then politics. Then begin the process of legal convergence of Belarus with the EU. The same way in due time passed and the Czech Republic. You have to understand for themselves that some European countries – small, and our strength in the union – sure diplomat.

In Czech ambassador noted that the political climate in Belarus. We look forward to further steps, – he added.

According to the Ambassador of Belarus belongs to Europe as well as the Czech Republic – historically and culturally. I do not like when some of our politicians say: We Belarusians, and you Europeans. I believe that we are all Europeans. Belarus – part of Europe. This is known in the Czech Republic and the EU , – said I. Caras.

Regarding the visa issue, the ambassador expressed his opinion about the cost of Schengen visas for Belarusians to 60 euros. On this occasion, there are twoopinions. Some believe that a person who travels abroad, can afford the cost of such visas. The other, and I hold this view, consider not only fair that citizens of some countries in the Schengen visa costs 35 euros and for other 60 , – the diplomat noted. I think this is a development issue, – he added.

However Czech diplomat recalled that in 2008 the Embassy of the Czech Republic has issued almost 20 thousand visas to Belarusians, this year any significant changes have occurred. In addition, 20% of visas were granted free of charge. They were students, children, teachers, athletes, artists and senior citizens of Belarus. Approximately 80% of Belarusians visiting the Czech Republic came there as tourists.

J. Karas hoped to increase the flow of Czech tourists in Belarus. According to him, Belarus is to improve the infrastructure in the country, increase the number of hotels. I very much want to and your beautiful country attended the same number of Czech tourists. I think you have something to offer them – said the Ambassador.