Opinions & Interviews

“From the point of view of economy, we witness the emergence of many integration associations in different parts of the world. Unfortunately, these economic integration associations do not aim to facilitate trade and economic cooperation among countries. Rather, they create new barriers. Some say that the Trans-Pacific Partnership is aimed against someone, others note that the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership is targeted against someone else, or some other regional associations are directed against someone,” Vladimir Makei noted.

“Our position is as follows: we stand for alignment of the regional integration processes, be it in Europe or Eurasia, in Latin America or Southeast Asia, in Africa or any other region,” Vladimir Makei emphasized.

He noted that some time ago the Belarusian head of state put forward the idea of “integration of integrations”. “The implementation of this idea will help us avoid new division lines and find points of contact that will enable us to overcome the economic challenges and promote the economic development of separate countries, as well as entire regions and continents,” the minister stressed.

He also paid attention to social issues, inter-religious and inter-ethnic conflicts. “No one wants to listen to one another. We have had bitter experiences of sanctions and pressure. We have come to a definite conclusion that it is only through dialogue, openness for dialogue and readiness to seek compromise (albeit an uneasy one) that we can achieve harmony, peace and stability in the country, region and the world,” Vladimir Makei added.