Opinions & Interviews

ASTANA, 7 November (BelTA) – Belarus demonstrates the world’s best practices in promoting security and responding to emerging security challenges, Belarus Ambassador to Kazakhstan Anatoly Nichkasov told reporters in the run-up to the CSTO summit that is to take place in Astana on 8 November, BelTA has learned.

The diplomat pointed to the recent change in rhetoric on the international arena. This rhetoric is getting more aggressive and everyone wants to know whether it will translate into action. “The world is moving along the trajectory set by the developments of recent years,” Anatoly Nichkasov said.

He mentioned migration-related issues facing Europe now. Naturally, these processes have an impact on Belarus, including in terms of security. “Barriers are emerging, including physical barriers, even inside the EU,” the diplomat noted.

In his words, Belarus will not stay away from the emerging challenges. “Here our country can demonstrate Europe’s and the world’s best practices to its partners and neighbors. And this is a huge region. The role played by Belarus is acknowledged and appreciated. I am convinced that these assessments will translate into tangible results,” Anatoly Nichkasov said.

According to the diplomat, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has done a great deal of work to chart approaches to global peace. Burning issues of today will be discussed at the CSTO summit in Astana. The ambassador noted that Belarus had recently hosted several international events related to security. The most recent of them was the Munich Security Conference Core Group Meeting in Minsk. “These events played their part. It is particularly visible from Kazakhstan, because our strategic partner took most active part in the Minsk conference. They upheld the approaches of the Munich Security Conference and Belarus’ efforts to come to grips with this complex issue. As far as security is concerned, Kazakhstan is our ally and partner, and it is proved by the entire history of our relations,” Anatoly Nichkasov said.

The ambassador commented on Belarus-Kazakhstan cooperation prospects. He noted that the bilateral trade is growing quite well. “Our goal to reach $1 billion in the bilateral trade is quite feasible. Our task is to make this happen this year,” he said.

Anatoly Nichkasov noted that traditional avenues of cooperation, like mechanical engineering, food industry and agriculture, are complemented by joint work in the innovative sector. “We are working to set up joint production of drones for the economic sector and this work is nearing completion. We are implementing a series of joint projects related to digitalization. Kazakhstan instituted the Astana International Financial Centre, and specialists of the Belarusian Hi-Tech Park teamed up with their partners in Kazakhstan to develop software to manage this center,” the ambassador informed.