Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 17 November (BelTA) - Belarus’ role in the EU’s eastern foreign policy will be gradually strengthening, Chairman of the Standing Committee for International Affairs of the House of Representatives Valery Voronetsky said at a panel discussion during Minsk Forum 2017 on 16 November, BelTA informs.

“I forecast and expect to see a stronger role that Belarus will be playing in the foreign policy of the European Union in eastern direction. I also expect Belarus’ increased role and place, its influence in the western vector of Russia’s foreign policy,” said Valery Voronetsky.

He expressed confidence that Belarus’ role in the region will be increasing in the coming years. “The reason behind it is that all of us, both in the west and the east, are interested in securing competitiveness, security and protection of our European values. Belarus may test a new model of cooperation in the foreign policy of both the European Union and Russia,” the MP said.

Valery Voronetsky noted that Belarus has a potential of social cohesion in the region. “This is of utmost importance as the current conflict potential which is emerging from some incorrect steps and policy of the EU in the East and that of Russia in the West pushes the region to the edge. This is not right as it undermines stability and security of the region,” the chairman stressed.