MOSCOW, February 21. /TASS/. Relations between Russia and Belarus are developing in a working mode, despite the vexing information background, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Tuesday at a meeting with his Belarusian counterpart, Vladimir Makey.

"Today’s contact only proves that we are always open for discussion of any matters, including difficult ones," he said. "The current stage of our joint work is taking place on not very smooth information background, but I would like to reassure our colleagues that relations between the Russian and Belarusian foreign ministries and other agencies are developing in a working, business-like mode."

"Today’s meeting will help us make progress, including in what concerns the implementation of the program of agreed actions in the area of the Union State’s foreign policy for 2016-2017," Lavrov said, adding he plans to discuss with his Belarusian counterpart issues of cooperation within the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and on the European agenda in general.

The Russian foreign minister also said he plans to discuss preparations for the celebration of the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.