MINSK, 27 June (BelTA) – Belarus' cooperation with the countries of the European Union is becoming more pragmatic, Doctor of Political Science Sergei Kizima, the head of the International Relations Department at the Academy of Public Administration under the aegis of the President of Belarus, told BelTA as he commented on the results of the 5th Belarusian People's Congress.
The political scientist noted that in general, the relations between Belarus and the European Union are developing in positive ways. He said that against the backdrop of the complex situation in the region and the general challenges arising from the crisis in Ukraine, the number of platforms for cooperation is growing. Moreover, this cooperation “is becoming more pragmatic, which applies to both the relations with the EU bodies and with individual EU member states,” Sergei Kizima said.
He believes it is necessary to build up the trust in the relations, which will open up new opportunities. “Belarus will play the important role of security provider for the EU by helping bring peace back to the unstable region. The EU will provide more opportunities for innovations and investment into the Belarusian economy, so that Belarus remains a reliable guarantor of safety along its borders and creates no problems for the European Union which is going through tough times,” Sergei Kizima emphasized.
As for the cooperation in the CIS, which was also discussed at the 5th Belarusian People's Congress, the political scientist believes it depends on the possibilities that the organization provides. Sergei Kizima noted that the cooperation between the CIS member countries gives a number of advantages. It allows for organization of frequent meetings of the CIS heads of state which enables timely discussion of all pressing issues before they get exacerbated. Besides, the CIS is a resource of many agreements addressing different matters which are of importance to the member states. “The countries value this and do not want to lose their membership. For instance, Georgia withdrew from the CIS, but it remained a party to many of the agreements signed over the years of its membership,” Sergei Kizima stressed.
He added that the free trade zone which has been created in the CIS over the past several years is also important for the member states. The political scientist emphasized the need to strengthen cooperation in economy, introduction of new technologies, the war on terror and crimes.
