Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 25 September (BelTA) - Belarus aims for dialogue with all partners without pressure and double standards, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said during a ceremony to receive the credentials of the ambassadors of foreign states in Minsk on 25 September, BelTA has learned.

“We are not making a choice between East and West. We are striving to build equal political and mutually beneficial economic relations with all partners without exception. We aim for dialogue without pressure or coercion, double standards and interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states,” the Belarusian leader noted.

Alexander Lukashenko welcomed the ambassadors to the hospitable Belarus, congratulated them on the beginning of a new phase in their diplomatic careers and first official working day in the status of Heads of Mission in Belarus. “Belarus is a European state that values its sovereignty and that has been consistently implementing a peaceful multifaceted foreign policy. Our approaches are well known. Belarusians are committed to freedom and independence, unity and harmony, creativity and progress,” the president noted.

Being a strong opponent of confrontation and a donor of security in the region, Belarus advocates peaceful conflict resolution and has been persistently working to expand the circle of the like-mined, the head of state emphasized.

Only by combining efforts, we can ensure normal, comfortable coexistence of states and achieve the long-awaited peace. It is this logic we were guided by when we suggested launching a new wide-ranging discussion on the European and international security. It, by analogy with the Helsinki, aims to resolve the accumulated contradictions between the states in the vast Euro-Atlantic and Eurasian space,” the Belarusian leader said.

According to Alexander Lukashenko, Belarus has chosen the path of evolutionary market reforms to avoid painful shocks for people. Thanks to the systemic measures to ease administrative procedures, eliminate unnecessary barriers and restrictions, the conditions for business and self-realization of citizens have been improving in the country. The market principles are coupled with a socially responsible policy. Significant efforts are being made to ensure employment of the population, access to education, healthcare service, social security and to raise their level.

"The state focuses on the person with his needs, concerns, worries and hopes. We are proud that the power in Belarus is not separated from the people. I have no doubt that you will see many examples that will confirm my words during the period of your tenure," the president said.

The president emphasized that Belarus is ready to share the experience of transformations in economy and other sectors and is open to borrowing the best foreign practices. "Belarus will always be a responsible, predictable and reliable partner for you," Alexander Lukashenko noted.