Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 30 August (BelTA) - Belarus and Finland are interested in reducing tensions in East-West relations, Sergei Rakhmanov, Chairman of the International Affairs and National Security Commission of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus, told the media after talks with a delegation of the Finnish Parliament led by the Chairman of the Group of Friendship with Belarus, a member of the National Coalition Party Wille Rydman, BelTA has learned.

Sergei Rakhmanov said that being the countries located between West and East Belarus and Finland are focused on ensuring regional and world stability. “Our coordinated efforts can give a good effect in terms of easing tensions in East-West relations,” the Senator said. The topic will be further discussed with the Finnish parliamentarians who are in Belarus on a visit. The parties intend to find joint solutions.

Sergei Rakhmanov recalled that during the summer session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly in Minsk in 2017, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko invited the OSCE to begin discussions on the need for a new Helsinki process. “The idea continues to be debated in Europe. We will raise the issue in talks with Finnish partners,” Sergei Rakhmanov said.

He added that Belarusian and Finnish MPs agree that “the West is too aggressive in its relations, including with Russia.” The MPs call for a wider use of diplomatic methods.

The MPs discussed issues related to cooperation in international organizations. The Finnish representatives took note of Belarus’ achievements in this direction and expressed interest in further cooperation.

The Finnish parliamentary delegation arrived in Belarus on 29 August. The guests are set to meet with the leadership of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection, the Hi-Tech Park. On 30 August the Finnish delegation met with Chairman of the Council of the Republic Mikhail Myasnikovich and the National Assembly’s working group on cooperation with the Parliament of Finland.