Opinions & Interviews

Belarus supports IPU’s philosophy, willingness to build up peace, security

Photo courtesy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

MINSK, 3 September (BelTA) – Belarus shares the philosophy of the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the organization’s desire to bolster peace and security, promote democratic international relations. Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei made the relevant statement as he met with President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union Gabriela Cuevas Barron, BelTA has learned.

Vladimir Makei thanked Gabriela Cuevas Barron for participating in the international conference on fighting terrorism using innovative approaches as well as new and emerging technologies. The minister of foreign affairs noted that Belarus is interested in further invigorating relations with the IPU, the world’s oldest and most respected interparliamentary organization.

“The IPU’s philosophy, the desire to bolster peace and security, promote democratic international relations are close to us. This is why we believe it is important for the IPU acting on behalf of the global parliamentary dimension to get more involved in finding answers to global challenges and threats,” Vladimir Makei said.

Vladimir Makei informed Gabriela Cuevas Barron about the Belarus president’s initiative to resume a broad international dialogue on international security with a view to building up trust and overcoming existing contradictions in relations between nations.

The sides discussed cooperation in reaching the Sustainable Development Goals in view of Belarus’ unique experience in this sphere. Vladimir Makei stressed that the Belarusian parliament plays a prominent role in efforts to achieve the SDGs in the country. Vladimir Makei said he was confident that Belarus’ experience will be useful for the IPU.

It has been 130 years since the Inter-Parliamentary Union was founded. Parliaments of 179 countries are IPU members. The priorities on the IPU’s agenda include the enhancement of peace and stability, the role of parliaments in counteracting such threats as terrorism and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, efforts to ensure gender equality, human rights, the interparliamentary dialogue and cooperation, sustainable development. The Belarusian parliament joined the union in 1995.

print version

make home page

add to bookmarks