Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 26 October (BelTA) - The image of Belarus in the international arena is very positive, Sergei Rakhmanov, the chairman of the Council of the Republic’s permanent commission on international affairs and national security, told the media, BelTA has learned.

Sergei Rakhmanov said that the positive image of Belarus is the result of the efforts of the country’s leadership and relevant ministries. The MPs have made a substantial contribution as well. Thanks to the activities, which they carry out in international organizations, and bilateral meetings, the foreign partners are beginning to change their opinion of Belarus, based on the actual situation in the country rather than stereotypes.

Parliamentary diplomacy is the most important element of the country's diplomacy as a whole. It has an impact not only on the image of the country but also contributes to the promotion of national interests, including in the economy, the senator added. He drew attention to the fact that the MPs discuss concrete projects during negotiations with foreign counterparts. Successful in this regard was the participation of the Belarusian delegation in the 137th IPU Assembly in St. Petersburg, Sergei Rakhmanov noted.

The Council of the Republic hosted a training seminar for the National Assembly’s working groups on cooperation with parliaments of foreign countries to discuss foreign policy and foreign economic activity. Sergei Rakhmanov expressed the hope that such seminars will become a regular event and will involve representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Academy of Public Management and Belarusian State University. This should contribute towards enhancing the effectiveness of the parliamentary friendship groups in the promotion of the country’s national interests abroad, he said.