Opinions & Interviews

Belarus’ balanced relations with West, East emphasized

Anatoly Glaz. An archive photo

MINSK, 23 November (BelTA) – Belarus stays clear of the false choice between the West and the East and occupies a neutral position, BelTA learned from Anatoly Glaz, Head of the Information and Digital Diplomacy Office, Press Secretary of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during the 16th Minsk Forum on 23 November.

The official said: “I wouldn’t say we’ve decided to start opening up to the West, occupy a neutral position and position ourselves in equilibrium. We’ve maintained this position for many years already, trying to build equivalent, mutually beneficial relations with a majority of our international partners. And naturally avoiding the false choice between the West and the East. In the last few years the West came to recognize this fact and we see more and more understanding.”

According to Anatoly Glaz, the outside image of a country is primarily formed by the country’s actions. He underlined Belarus’ contribution to stability and security in the region and drew attention to the lack of problems and the non-confrontational attitude. “We are the only CIS state without any domestic conflicts. We don’t create potential for conflicts for our neighbors,” he noted.

Asked about the conflict in Ukraine’s east, Anatoly Glaz said that the relevant events are reflected in Belarus, too. Moreover, from the geographical point of view the countries are close. The Belarusian state is experiencing certain penalties, including economic ones. “We are trying to help resolve this problem to the best of our ability,” added the press secretary.

“Dialogue and the fulfillment of agreements are the only solution. In this case the Minsk agreements, which were signed in the capital city of Belarus,” he stated.

Anatoly Glaz also remarked that the possibility of getting other parties involved in the dialogue had not been ruled out. “The dialogue just needs to produce results, proceed towards the conflict’s resolution,” said the official.

The 16th Minsk Forum has been organized by the German-Belarusian Society. The key theme of the event is “Belarus and the EU – the future of the partnership: dialogue, development, digitalization”. During the forum experts are expected to discuss the security architecture in Europe, regional cooperation and the resolution of conflicts in Central and Eastern Europe, Belarus’ branding in the European region, and other things.

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