Opinions & Interviews

Voronetsky: Belarus’ Helsinki-2 initiative aims to build trust between countries

Photo courtesy of the House of Representatives

MINSK, 20 March (BelTA) - The initiative put forward by Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko to launch the new Helsinki process aims to build trust between the countries, Belarusian MPs said as they met with members of the Swedish Defense Commission, BelTA learned from the press service of the House of Representatives.

The participants of the meeting discussed in detail the geo-political and military-strategic situation in the region and in the world. Particular attention was paid to Belarus’ approaches to European security and the country's role in ensuring peace and stability in the region and in Eurasia as a whole. Belarus laid out its vision of the external threats amid the geopolitical confrontation and growing tension between the global players. In this context, Valery Voronetsky, the chairman of the standing commission for international affairs of the House of Representatives, emphasized the importance of normalization of relations between the states, especially those that are considered to be world leaders.

According to him, there is a need to create a context in international politics which would lead to a greater trust between the countries. This is what the peaceful foreign policy and the initiative of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko to launch a new political process similar to Helsinki Process are aimed for. So are the efforts of Minsk to resolve the crisis in Ukraine and other Belarusian initiatives which were talked about during the Munich Security Conference Core Group meeting in Minsk,” the press service said.

The attention of the Swedish side was also drawn to the need to change the paradigm in international politics. Valery Voronetsky expressed his conviction that the geopolitical centers of power must respect the sovereignty and independence of small states, if they are really interested in the preservation of peace and security. Instead of making attempts of  influence and pressure in their own interests, they should cooperate with them in the interest of peace, stability and security, he added.

The example of Belarus located on the border of geopolitical confrontation and at the same time maintaining good partnerships with all its neighbors could be considered as a model for building a new architecture of European and global security, the MP said. “Despite external pressure, attempts by various geopolitical players to draw Belarus into their sphere of influence, the country managed to defend its sovereign right to pursue an independent foreign policy,” said Valery Voronetsky.

In turn, Deputy Chairman of the Standing Commission on National Security Sergei Bobrikov spoke about the Belarusian military doctrine, emphasizing its defensive nature. The MP was also interested in the Swedish military organization development concept.

The meeting took place on the initiative of Sweden. The delegation led by Chairman of the Defense Commission, former Defense Minister of Sweden Bjorn von Sydow comprised representatives of the Swedish parliament.

Representatives of the Belarusian parliament stated that the meeting was held in an open and friendly atmosphere and helped promote better mutual understanding and trust between the countries.

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