Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 20 September (BelTA) – Most refugees in the present-day world are a direct or indirect result of protracted armed conflicts, Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei said in his speech at the United Nations Summit for Refugees and Migrants, BelTA learned from the press service of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Belarusian diplomat noted that “the majority of refugees in the present-day world are a direct or indirect result of protracted armed conflicts, direct interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states, and disrespect for the fundamental principles set out in the UN Charter.”

Vladimir Makei emphasized that the principle of 'shared responsibility' advocated by some countries should primarily apply to those who instigate conflicts in sovereign countries and force people to flee their homes en masse.

The Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs drew attention to the fact that coordinated efforts of all parties concerned are necessary to improve and strengthen the mechanisms of migration flows management. In this respect, Belarus attaches great importance to global partnerships of the state, civil society, international organizations and private sector based on mutual trust, assistance and mutual understanding.

In New York, Vladimir Makei met with his counterparts from Mozambique, Turkey, South Korea, Ecuador, and also with a US Assistant Secretary of State.