Opinions & Interviews

Belarusian FM: Belarus shows its openness while its neighbors create obstacles on border

MINSK, 18 July (BelTA) - While Belarus' European neighbors are shutting themselves off and creating obstacles on the border, we are showing our openness to the world, Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Maksim Ryzhenkov said on the air of the ONT TV channel, BelTA has learned.

The minister recalled that on 19 July Belarus waived visas for citizens of European countries. A similar visa waiver has been in place for several years for its neighbors - Poland, Lithuania and Latvia. 

“At a time when our nearest neighbors are shutting themselves off and are creating all kinds of obstacles for cross-border cooperation, for people (which, in my opinion, is a gross violation of all conventions within the OSCE, the Council of Europe, the European Union), we, on the contrary, are showing our openness to the world. Come, look, work with our people, do business, see our sights and most importantly, see your friends, acquaintances and relatives. But there is one caveat - the visa regime will remain in place for holders of diplomatic and service passports, for those who are at the heart of the sanctions today,” Maksim Ryzhenkov said.

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