Opinions & Interviews
Minsk hailed as symbol of dialogue amid challenging times
MINSK, 27 October (BelTA) – Minsk has become a symbol of dialogue amid challenging times, Christian Friis Bach, Under Secretary-General of the United Nations, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), said as he met with Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko on 27 October, BelTA has learned.
He emphasized the importance of the current UNECE conference in Minsk. “We are trying to establish a mutually beneficial dialogue and discuss the ‘integration of integrations’ concept. Our experience clearly demonstrates that now is the time to develop an open dialogue based on mutual trust, rather than draw borders and erect walls,” Christian Friis Bach noted.
The UNECE Executive Secretary thanked Alexander Lukashenko for Belarus’ initiative to promote the idea of dialogue and communication throughout the world. “The present conference is the first, yet very important step towards comprehensive integration. We hope that this small drop will become a river that will bring benefit to all countries concerned,” he said.
UNECE is one of five regional commissions of the United Nations. It was set up in 1947. UNECE is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. It includes 56 member States in Europe, North America and Asia.
Belarus has been a full member of UNECE since its founding. The Belarusian Economy Ministry coordinates the cooperation with the organization. Up to 70 Belarusian delegations attend UNECE events every year. Belarus’ priorities in cooperation with UNECE include facilitation of trade, transport, energy, innovations, and environment.
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