MINSK, 27 February (BelTA) – Belarus’ Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrei Dapkiunas took part in an interactive discussion on the role of small states in the maintenance of international peace and security, BelTA learned from the press service of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Andrei Dapkiunas believes that the immediate launch of new large-scale multilateral negotiations to overcome the entire set of differences can be an answer to the current security crisis. The deputy foreign minister noted that Belarus would like to see small states shape dialogue and confidence-building measures and partnerships to overcome existing differences.
“Belarus believes that small and medium-sized countries must oppose the emergence of new division lines between the great powers’ spheres of influence and reject a far-fetched or an externally imposed geopolitical choice. According to Andrei Dapkiunas, the establishment of a global network of diverse multi-level and multi-stakeholder thematic partnerships can also help reduce tensions. Belarus’ representative called on small and medium-sized states to be the moral force of good on the planet,” the ministry said.
The event was also attended by the permanent representatives of Switzerland and Singapore, and experts of the Geneva Center for Security Policy.