Opinions & Interviews

UK ambassador praises Belarus’ peacekeeping efforts

MINSK, 12 August (BelTA) – Outgoing Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Fionna Gibb praised Belarus’ peacekeeping efforts as she gave an interview to the Belarus 1 TV channel, BelTA has learned.

“I welcome Belarus’ efforts in this field. The fact that your country suggested Minsk as a place for negotiations deserves special recognition. I am convinced that other countries also welcome this initiative, after all, it gives stakeholders an opportunity to meet and discuss the situation. Your country pays much attention to security matters. Security in Europe is very important for Belarus. This is not only about Ukraine. Belarus plays an active role in maintaining peace,” the diplomat said.

Speaking about Belarus, Fionna Gibb pointed to the increasing number of British tourists coming here. “I would like to note that the majority of British people prefer to spend holidays on the seaside – in Greece, Spain or France. However, Belarus has many things to offer to other categories of holidaymakers,” the ambassador is convinced.

She mentioned beautiful nature, eco-tourism, UNESCO sites and nature reserves as some of Belarus’ biggest attractions. Fionna Gibb also spoke highly of the potential of medical tourism in Belarus, in particular, dental service. “You have a very high customer service. I sought medical assistance here and I was impressed by the level of service. Naturally, this is cheaper than in Great Britain,” she said.

Answering a question about the further priorities in the embassy’s work, she assumed that her successor will stick to the general policy towards Belarus. “We will keep promoting economic and trade relations, encourage reforms to improve access to justice, freedom of assembly, freedom of word, free and fair elections and will continue the dialogue with the government of Belarus,” she said.

print version

make home page

add to bookmarks