Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 11 July (BelTA) – The Belarusian Helsinki 2 initiative reflects concerns over the negative developments in the region, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said at a meeting to discuss Belarus’ foreign policy priorities at the current stage on 11 July, BelTA has learned.

“This step should not be viewed as an ambitious international initiative for the sake of an initiative. First of all, it reflects our vision and concerns over the negative developments in the region,” the Belarusian leader emphasized.

According to Alexander Lukashenko, holding the 26th Annual Session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly in Minsk meant obvious recognition of the new role of Belarus. That was the first time Belarus hosted such a large-scale international political forum. “It was important that Belarus proposed the idea of starting a new Helsinki Process, a wide-ranging dialogue between East and West to overcome the existing differences in Eurasia, at this forum,” the head of state noted.

The president also called for promoting, as much as possible, the Belarusian idea of cooperation between various integration associations keeping in mind the Chinese initiative. This initiative is useful both for Belarus and Russia, and also for the countries of East and West. “I expect that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will carry out an in-depth analysis of the ongoing global processes and specific initiatives to strengthen security in the region and enhance the image of Belarus in the international arena. We need to be seen, and out position should be taken into account,” Alexander Lukashenko said.