Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 4 December (BelTA) – Belarus’ presidency in the Central European Initiative (CEI) has been one of the most successful in the history of the organization, CEI Deputy Secretary General Erik Csernovitz said in an interview with Belarus One Channel on 3 December, BelTA has learned.

“I should note that Belarus’ presidency in the CEI was one of the most successful in the history of the Central European Initiative. You have organized a big number of events, including seminars, conferences, and meetings. You managed to gather all CEI member states. We are grateful to you,” said Erik Csernovitz.

Although the final day for Belarus’ presidency in the CEI is 31 December 2017, there are still a number of important events to be held. Among them is a business forum of the CEI member states and a summit of the CEI heads of government.

Erik Csernovitz stressed that Belarus has the same mission, position and goal as the CEI. “Belarus is a so-called bridge between east and west, north and south. Belarus’ presidency has been a period of cooperation,” he said. The motto of Belarus’ presidency in the organization, which is to promote connectivity in a greater Europe, fully matches the goals and tasks of the Central European Initiative.

As for the cooperation between the member states of the initiative, the deputy secretary general noted that the CEI is like one large family. This is a very transparent and practical organization, where there is only the status of a full member. Each member has one vote. All decisions are made on the basis of a 100-percent consensus. Every member state can freely interact and contact within the framework of various joint projects, which include the development of small and medium-sized enterprises, science and technology, culture, academic exchange and scholarship programs.

Founded in 1989, the CEI is a regional association that includes 18 countries. Belarus joined the organization in June 1996. Belarus views the organization as an efficient instrument of expanding and strengthening regional cooperation through the implementation of concrete joint projects across a variety of activities, including energy, sustainable development, environment, science and technology.