Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 20 September (BelTA) - Cooperation of Belarus with its compatriots living abroad is an on-going process, Belarus’ Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrei Dapkiunas told the media ahead of the fourth meeting of the the Consultative Council for Belarusians Abroad at the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, BelTA has learned.

"The process is ongoing," Andrei Dapkiunas emphasized. He noted that Belarus understands that the image of the country, its authority is formed both by the efforts of government institutions and through actions of ordinary people, Belarusian citizens and those who live abroad.

"Happiness, well-being have a down-to-earth, prosaic and even economic foundation: export, expansion of the country's business opportunities," the deputy minister said. However, not every member of the council is a representative of the business community. Therefore, a kind word, a positive feedback on the country, often made indirectly, can influence economic decisions in other states.

At the meeting Andrei Dapkiunas noted that this year the council has new members. He hopes that they will bring new ideas and proposals. He thanked the compatriots living abroad for not forgetting Belarus and helping it. "The motherland remembers her sons and daughters. We know you. We are proud of you," the deputy minister said.

The council is set to take stock of the work for the past year, to discuss opportunities for compatriots to receive education in Belarus. Attending the fourth meeting are members of the council from 18 countries, representatives of Belarusian government institutions and public associations.

The Consultative Council for Belarusians Abroad at the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs was founded in 2015 in accordance with the law on Belarusians living abroad. According to this document, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall coordinate the development of cooperation with the Belarusian diaspora.