Opinions & Interviews

Andreichenko: Belarus implements an independent foreign policy for peace and development

MINSK, 8 September (BelTA) – Chairman of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus Vladimir Andreichenko took part in the 41st General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Assembly of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) held as a video conference, BelTA learned from the press service of the House of Representatives.

Vladimir Andreichenko addressed the participants of the event with a speech on Parliamentary Diplomacy for a Cohesive and Responsive ASEAN Community. The speaker emphasized the importance of the ASEAN IPA in increasing the role of parliamentary diplomacy, aligning with the countries of South-Eastern Asia on the political, economic, social and other tracks. He also stressed the importance of developing the corresponding dialogue in the conditions of steadily growing international problems.

“Our country, as well as the ASEAN states, promotes the ideas of cooperation, open and honest negotiations. Like you, we consistently implement an independent foreign policy for peace and stable development, a multi-vector nature and diversification of relations,” the chairman of the House of Representatives said.

Vladimir Andreichenko stressed that Belarus is a reliable bridge between East and West. “With this in mind and as part of its presidency in the EAEU, Belarus supports the intention of the ASEAN countries to sign an agreement on free trade area with the EAEU and is ready to provide assistance in the matter to contribute to the growth of trade and job creation. Exchange of best practices in the IT sector will be equally useful for Belarus and ASEAN,” the chairman of the House of Representatives noted.  

In conclusion, Vladimir Andreichenko addressed his colleagues - speakers of parliaments of the ASEAN countries - with a proposal to support unifying peace initiatives, including the initiative of the Belarusian president to develop a digital neighborhood belt, which can bring concrete practical results.

The ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly was established in 1977. Its General Assemblies are held annually and include a wide range of political, economic and social issues. Contacts of Belarusian MPs with their foreign counterparts in the framework of the ASEAN IPA events contribute to Belarus' relations with Southeast Asian countries and are an effective tool of strengthening friendship and mutual understanding between peoples.

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