Russia, Belarus to develop common strategy against US, NATO

The foreign ministers of Russia and Belarus on Monday criticized NATO's plan to establish US missile-defense systems in Eastern Europe.

“Russia and Belarus have agreed to discuss taking appropriate countermeasures together in light of US and NATO plans,” Belarusian Foreign Minister Uladzemir Makey said in a joint press conference with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov.

Lavrov also said that Russia has repeatedly protested US and NATO plans to build a larger missile shield in Eastern Europe with new systems in Romania and Poland.

The statement came after Russian FM Lavrov's meeting with Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenko.

Lavrov added that Minsk and Moscow "share concerns on the issues of European security as our colleagues from NATO countries try to whip up confrontation and advance military infrastructure eastward, close to our borders."

During his visit with President Alexander Lukashenko, both leaders discussed issues concerning security measures in Europe and the ongoing crisis in Syria and Ukraine, according to Russian media.

Washington has repeatedly said the systems will protect NATO members from short- and medium-range missiles, particularly rogue states in the Middle East.

"Both Russia and Belarus do not back the confrontation line," he said, adding that Europe should approve the principles of equal and indivisible security for all.

"We discussed the general security situation in Europe. We have common interest in our relations with NATO and the European Union to see Europe free of division lines," he said.

Belarusian foreign minister Makey said Minsk and Moscow were cooperating and "have absolutely no divergences."