Opinions & Interviews

Belarus aims to strengthen inter-parliamentary cooperation with Northern Europe

MINSK, 26 August (BelTA) – Belarus is determined to strengthen inter-parliamentary cooperation with the countries of Northern Europe and subregional organizations, Valery Voronetsky, Chairman of the International Affairs Commission of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus, head of the National Assembly's delegation on cooperation with the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference (BSPC), told BelTA.

At the invitation of President of the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference Jorodd Asphjell, the MP is taking part in the 28th session of the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference which is underway in Oslo, Norway on 25-27 August. “Our goal is further strengthening of inter-parliamentary cooperation with the countries of Northern Europe and subregional organizations,” Valery Voronetsky said.

The conference is dedicated to the issues of expanding cooperation in the region and interaction in the Council of the Baltic Sea States. The focus is also on sustainable environmental, social and economic development, partnerships in healthcare and social security in the Northern Dimension, labor market and employment development, migration and integration in the region and other topics, the MP said.

“The participation in the Parliamentary Conference is an element of Belarus’ active cooperation with the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference,” Valery Voronetsky said. Earlier this year, Belarus’ Ambassador to Sweden Dmitry Mironchik met with the president of the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference and the leadership of the BSPC Secretariat. In June a regular panel discussion on cooperation with Belarus was held by the BSPC, the MP said.

As BelTA reported, it is planned that the conference will gather MPs and expects from the countries of the Baltic Sea Region.

The Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference (BSPC) was established in 1991. It aims to strengthen cooperation between parliaments of the Baltic Sea Region. Its permanent members are Germany, Denmark, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Russia, Finland, Sweden, Estonia, as well as five inter-parliamentary organizations (Baltic Assembly, European Parliament, PACE, OSCE PA, Nordic Council). Observers to BSPC are 27 organizations. BelTA reported earlier that Belarus also aims to get an observer status at the BSPC.

The Northern Dimension is a joint policy between the EU, Russia, Norway and Iceland. The policy was initiated in 1999 and renewed in 2006. Belarus takes part in the practical aspects of cooperation in the Northern Dimension.

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