Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 9 July (BelTA) – Belarus views the development of interaction with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the BRICS association as new growth points. Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei made the statement in an interview with the TV channel Russia 24 in Ufa, BelTA has learned.

Vladimir Makei said: “We believe that today it is difficult for a country to survive on its own. Even more so if the country is as small as Belarus. This is why we intend and would love to take an active part in regional integrational cooperation. It is the reason behind our interest in the operation of organizations like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS. Today those are truly influential organizations that play a major role in the world, primarily with regard to the development of trade and economic interest. They represent new growth points for us. And we are extremely interested in interaction with these organizations.”

Asked about the expected increase in Belarus’ status in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization from dialogue partner to observer, the Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs mentioned vigorous cooperation with the organization. “We hope that the status will be raised during the Ufa summit. Vladimir Putin said yesterday that SCO member states have agreed to give Belarus the observer status. We hope it will be done during the session,” said Vladimir Makei.

“We don’t intend to beg anything from the organization. We would like to make a real contribution to its development. We would like to take part in the implementation of mutually beneficial projects,” added the Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs.