Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 28 December (BelTA) – Broader cooperation with foreign Belarusians contributes to Belarus’ development in various areas, BelTA learned from Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei on 28 December.

Vladimir Makei said: “The fact that we’ve started closely looking into cooperation with Belarusians abroad is very important for our country. It will further its development in various areas: economy, politics, humanitarian and cultural affairs.”

In his words, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has come up with a plan on cooperation with Belarusians abroad. The effort is demonstrating active progress. “Certainly, we’ve done only the first few steps but we’ve gone far,” stated the diplomat.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has established and regularly hosts sessions of the advisory board for the affairs of foreign Belarusians. Participants of the sessions discuss all the problems that citizens are concerned about. Further advancement of cooperation between the government and the Belarusian diaspora is discussed.

Vladimir Makei pointed out that many Belarusians, who live abroad, pursue economic activities over there. They have already come up with proposals on ways to bring closer Belarus and the countries where they live.

Cooperation in cultural affairs is as important. According to Vladimir Makei, foreign citizens should be told about Belarus and the country’s traditions. Belarusians, who live abroad, can help with it.