Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 21 April (BelTA) – Belarus sets an example to follow for the countries of the region in combating the spread of HIV/AIDS, said Michel Kazatchkine, United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for AIDS in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, as he met with Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei on 20 April, BelTA learned from the press service of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the meeting at the UN headquarters in New York, the parties discussed matters of cooperation between Belarus and the United Nations in fighting the spreading HIV/AIDS epidemic. “Michel Kazatchkine praised Belarus’ progress in this field. The UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy emphasized that Belarus sets an example to follow for the countries of the region,” the press service said.

For his part, Vladimir Makei pointed out that the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria should continue its project activities in middle-income countries. The minister expressed concern that the scaling back of Global Fund’s operations in these countries may lead to an HIV/AIDS outbreak.

The parties also discussed ways to expand international cooperation in combating drugs, first of all, within the framework of the United Nations. Vladimir Makei pointed out that the fight against the known types of drugs should be better coordinated. Besides, he stressed the need for a quick response to new psychoactive substances which are no less dangerous.