News & Events in Belarus

MINSK, 2 May (BelTA) – There are new opportunities for the engagement of Belarus in European integration processes, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said as he received credentials from foreign ambassadors on 2 May, BelTA has learned.

“Belarus now holds the presidency in the Central European Initiative (CEI). It has opened up new opportunities for the more active engagement of Belarus in European integration processes. The promotion of solidarity in Big Europe has been chosen as the main topic of Belarus’ presidency for a reason,” Alexander Lukashenko said. “Let’s agree that in the context of the current unstable situation and unprecedented challenges it is of special importance.”

This year is remarkable because Minsk will host the session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. “This is an important and responsible event for our country. The session will focus on the enhancement of mutual trust and cooperation in the OSCE region. By hosting this remarkable forum, Belarus has an opportunity to begin the constructive dialogue with the representatives of many European states,” the president is convinced.

The head of state emphasized that Belarus is able to provide access to the vast market of the Eurasian Economic Union to foreign partners. Of course, it makes the country more attractive in the trade, economic, and investment dimensions.

“Belarus’ commitment to openness is proved by the introduction of the visa-free entry the citizens of 80 countries in 2017. Over the past period, this opportunity was also used by tourists and entrepreneurs from the countries you represent. All this creates a foundation for the enhancement of business and people’s relations,” Alexander Lukashenko said.

The president also remarked that 2017 was announced the Year of Science in Belarus. There are ambitious goals in this field. “Belarus’ objective is to join the top ten countries in priority avenues of research in ten years. We have preserved and are developing strong academic science represented by dozens of large research centers and higher education institutions,” he said. “We hope for your active assistance in the organization of the scientific and student exchange, establishment of university ties and implementation of joint science and technology projects.”