Opinions & Interviews

Opinion: Lukashenko’s visits to Austria, Serbia show Belarus’ increasing role in the world

MINSK, 5 December (BelTA) – Visits of Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko to Austria, Serbia demonstrates Belarus’ increasing role in the international arena, Chairman of the German-Belarusian Society Rainer Lindner said at the opening of the 17th Minsk Forum highlighting Belarus’ place in Europe, opportunities for foreign policy, economy, civil society, and culture on 4 December. The forum is taking place in the Belarusian capital on 4-6 December, BelTA has learned.

Rainer Lindner emphasized the significance of the top-level visits to Vienna and Belgrade and noted Belarus’ importance in the modern context. He added that Belarus occupies a central position between the European Union and Russia, and also borders with the countries that have access to the Baltic Sea. The chairman of the German-Belarusian Society also stressed that Belarus makes part of the new Silk Road and, thanks to the Great Stone Industrial Park, plays a significant role in the project. Rainer Lindner also mentioned the country’s active role in the Eastern Partnership initiative.

Rainer Lindner also spoke about the Union State: “We thought for a long time that this document would remain on paper, but today this project is gaining momentum.”
 
According to him, the Minsk Forum is becoming an increasingly authoritative platform to discuss many issues of importance in the international arena. Rainer Lindner added that this year’s forum is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the German-Belarusian Society and the 25th anniversary of the Johannes Rau International Center for Education and Exchange.

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