Opinions & Interviews

Makei: CIS integration is one of Belarus’ foreign policy priorities

MINSK, 28 January (BelTA) – Meaningful and productive integration in the CIS is one of the priority areas of Belarus’ foreign policy, Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei said at the session of the CIS Council of Permanent Plenipotentiaries in statutory and other bodies of the Commonwealth of Independent States on 28 January, BelTA has learned.

“Meaningful and productive integration in the CIS space with the closest partners, not only geographical neighbors, but also historical partners and countries we have strong bonds with, is a natural way of development for Belarus and one of the priority vectors of the country’s foreign policy,” Vladimir Makei said.

The minister called the CIS “an established modern regional organization and a unique dialogue platform that takes into account the interests of the participating states”. He stressed that the efforts of the Commonwealth countries should be aimed at achieving a common goal: regional consolidation and progress.

“I believe that it is our common task to further strengthen the potential of the Commonwealth, to improve its international standing, and to find growth points that will give a new impetus and dynamism to the further development of the CIS,” Vladimir Makei added.

A reminder, Belarus assumed CIS presidency in 2021. The country’s CIS presidency concept provides for developing coherent approaches to pressing issues of regional cooperation, strengthening multilateral cooperation for the comprehensive and balanced economic and social development of the CIS member states, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by the CIS states,” the ministry said.

The Belarusian presidency will work towards achieving synergy effect from the cooperation of the CIS member states in various integration associations and organizations - the EAEU, the CSTO, and the SCO.

Much attention will also be paid to ensuring close cooperation between the CIS Executive Committee, CIS industry bodies with the executive bodies of these organizations in solving similar problems, while respecting the principle of multi-level and multi-speed integration but seeking to engage as many participants as possible in the effort to deepen integration in different sectors.

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