Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 13 February (BelTA) – Belarus expressed hope that the Embassy of the Kingdom of Spain will soon open in the Republic of Belarus, a move, which will contribute to further development of Belarusian-Spanish intergovernmental relations, says the communique on the 25^th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the two countries, BelTA learned from the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

On 13 February Belarus and Spain celebrate 25 years of diplomatic relations. “Belarusian–Spanish relations can be historically characterized by mutual interest and constructiveness. They are fruitfully developing both in bilateral and multilateral formats. Belarus appreciates Spain’s support of the Belarusian course towards economic and political independence, its multi-vector external policy, as well as initiatives directed to maintain peace and stability on the European continent,” the communique runs.

Since 2014 the two countries have substantially intensified bilateral cooperation, holding governmental and parliamentarian visits, developing the legal framework of cooperation, implementing joint trade and economic projects. A wide range of issues, including human rights, are under discussion as part of the political dialogue between Minsk and Madrid.

The two countries have been actively developing cooperation in humanitarian, cultural and educational sectors. Spain is ranked third biggest state welcoming Belarusian children from the Chernobyl-hit areas for rehabilitation. More than one thousand of Belarusian students annually qualify as Spanish language specialists. The two countries run exchange training programs for professors and students, implement joint scientific research. Direct contacts have been established between leading museums, libraries and educational institutions.

Both the countries attach great significance to the development of interregional cooperation. The Honorary Consulates of the two countries perform a special role in this process.

“Being one of the most influential states in Europe and the world, Spain is viewed by Belarusian as one of its priority global and regional partners with great potential for further development of bilateral relations. The decision of the Government of Belarus to open the Belarusian Embassy in Madrid, which opened in December of 2016, testifies to the fact,” the communique says.

“One of the main priorities in bilateral interaction is the development of trade and economic cooperation. The parties plan to sign the intergovernmental memorandum of economic and industrial cooperation that envisages the setting up of an efficient institutional body, the Belarusian-Spanish joint commission on trade and economic cooperation. Belarus is interested in further progressive development of bilateral relations with Spain on the entire spectrum of areas, including the political dialogue, interaction in the area of trade and economy, cooperation in humanitarian, cultural, scientific and educational sectors, expansion of human contacts. We are confident that further strengthening of Belarusian–Spanish relations meets the strategic interests and aspirations of the people of both the countries,” says the communique.