Opinions & Interviews

Defense Ministry: Belarus remains open for dialogue with West

MINSK, 21 February (BelTA) - Belarus has established contacts with countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, but the door for Western countries remains open, Colonel Valery Revenko, Head of the International Military Cooperation Department, Aide for International Military Cooperation to the Belarusian Defense Minister, told the media after a press briefing for representatives of the military-diplomatic corps accredited with the Defense Ministry of Belarus, BelTA has learned.

"During the press briefing, we relayed three important messages. The first one is related to the new Military Doctrine which says that no state, no people is our adversary or enemy. The second message is that we have compact, highly trained and well-equipped Armed Forces to ensure the security of our state. The third message is that today we have changed the focus of cooperation towards our friends and partners. We no longer want to knock on the door of the West, to look for some ties to reduce threats to military security. We keep our door ajar. Should they [Western countries] want to talk, they are welcome. We will talk," Valery Revenko said.

He also noted that Belarus has established ties with the countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America. "The defense minister has made visits to India, China, Iran and just recently to Cuba. And to Russia, of course. Many agreements have been reached. We have a lot of friends and partners, we know where to move forward," he noted.

Yet, the door for the West remains open, Valery Revenko said. "It is important we talk to relieve tension," he added.

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