Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 27 April (BelTA) - The OSCE PA session is important for Belarus in terms of the development of political dialogue, Vice Speaker of the House of Representatives Boleslav Pirshtuk told the media on 27 April, BelTA has learned.

He noted that the Belarusian MPs, in close contact with the OSCE PA International Secretariat, are solving practical issues related to the preparation for the session. The vice speaker noted that this is the first time that Belarus will host such a large-scale event which will be attended by more than 600 delegates. This requires solving a number of fairly complex issues. Delegations of various countries are already actively booking accommodation. Work is underway on the preparation of the main venues of the session, fitting them with necessary equipment in line with the OSCE PA standards. The results of this work will be summarized during a visit of a delegation of the OSCE PA International Secretariat to Belarus on 2-5 May.

Among the key topics to be discussed in Minsk are terrorism, cybersecurity, protracted conflicts, climate change, migration and strengthening of the OSCE mechanisms to ensure respect for human rights. “In general, thanks to the session we will have an opportunity to showcase our country, including in the capacity of an important international negotiating venue. Belarus has articulated the theme of the session which the participants supported “Strengthening mutual trust and cooperation for peace and prosperity in the OSCE region,” Boleslav Pirshtuk said.

For Belarus this event is of great importance in terms of the development of political dialogue with other countries in the OSCE region, he noted.

Boleslav Pirshtuk also noted that Belarusian MPs attach great importance to the matters of economic cooperation as well as to the promotion of political dialogue. The vice speaker recalled that many European MPs are also businessmen, which is why the summer session can serve as a platform for economic negotiations designed to reinforce investment cooperation.

The 26th OSCE PA summer session will take place in Minsk on 5-9 July.