Opinions & Interviews

MOSCOW, 28 June (BelTA) – Independent Belarus sticks to a peaceful and multi-vector foreign policy, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to Russia Igor Petrishenko said at a solemn reception on the occasion of Belarus’ Independence Day that was held in Moscow on 28 June, BelTA learned from the press service of the diplomatic mission.

“We are proud that Belarus has succeeded as an independent state that pursues a peaceful and multi-vector foreign policy. We strongly believe that all international conflicts should be dealt with exclusively at the negotiating table. We are actively involved in the activities of the United Nations and other international organizations. Belarus contributes to peace and stability in Europe. Minsk is well known as a negotiating venue and the last stronghold of peace in the Old World. Belarus’ Helsinki-2 initiative seeks to find solutions to security challenges around the world,” the ambassador said.

Igor Petrishenko welcomed the successful development of the Belarus-Russia Union State. The citizens of the two countries have equal rights, while integration of the two economies is among the highest in the world. He also pointed to a productive dialogue with the CIS member states, the evolution of the CSTO that seeks to join the European security architecture, Belarus’ consistent efforts to promote a direct dialogue between the Eurasian Economic Union and the European Union with a possibility to establish a common economic space. “Apart from that, Belarus demonstrates a responsible approach to military and political security in the OSCE region. The country advocates a well-balanced dialogue with NATO. Belarus is open for equitable and mutually respectful cooperation with the United States of America and is expanding contacts with partners and allies in Asia, Africa, Latin America and Australia,” Igor Petrishenko added.

Attending the reception were Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Igor Morgulov, State Secretary of the Union State Grigory Rapota, Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Central Federal District of Russia Igor Shchegolev and Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Northwestern Federal District of Russia Alexander Beglov, Special Presidential Representative for International Cultural Cooperation Mikhail Shvydkoy of Russia, CSTO Deputy Secretary General Alymbai Sultanov, Chief of the CSTO Joint Staff Anatoly Sidorov, Russian MPs, representatives of the Eurasian Economic Commission, the Union State Parliamentary Assembly, municipal authorities of Moscow, regional authorities of Russia, as well as experts and media personnel, business people, representatives of the Belarusian diaspora and about 30 ambassadors from the CIS member states, Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America.