Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 6 February (BelTA) – Belarus’ strong contribution to the regional security and stability is an important factor that influenced the formation of Austria’s positive attitude to the country, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to Austria, Belarus’ Permanent Representative to the International Organizations in Vienna Alena Kupchyna said in an exclusive interview to BelTA as Belarus and Austria mark the 25^th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

“Belarus’ multi-pronged foreign policy (which was mentioned by Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko during his meeting with members of the public, Belarusian and foreign media representatives), the country’s openness to all international partners, and also our considerable contribution to strengthening the regional security and stability are important factors which help form Austria’s positive attitude to Belarus,” the diplomat stressed.

The diplomat is convinced that the successful implementation of joint projects and a strong interest in Belarus from the Austrian business promotes the development of bilateral political relations. In 2015-2016 the two countries witnessed a number of milestone events in the bilateral relations. Thus, a new page in bilateral cooperation was opened by the first ever meeting between Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko and Austria President Heinz Fischer on 28 September 2015.

According to Alena Kupchyna, the opening of the Austrian Embassy in Minsk in February 2016 was another remarkable event that boost further bilateral cooperation.