MINSK, 11 February (BelTA) – The successful settlement of the Ukrainian crisis will become an indicator of the common ability to tackle global crises for the sake of sustainable development in the European region, Belarus' Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei said when speaking at the international conference “One Year of Minsk-II Accords: Achievements, Challenges, Lessons Learned”, BelTA has learned.
“The Ukrainian crisis spilled over the border of one country a long time ago. It directly or indirectly affects all the neighboring states, makes us, again and again, turn to the issues of stability and security on the entire European continent,” Vladimir Makei said. “How successfully we tackle this challenge, which solutions we find in this situation will show our collective ability to confront global crises for the sake of sustainable development in the European region,” he noted.
Vladimir Makei believes that resolving the Ukrainian crisis is a delicate and complex process. “Crucial is the work of the trilateral contact group and its subgroups which sessions are hosted by Minsk, too. Hard nonpublic but persistent work of the group aimed for the restoration of peace and calm in Ukraine needs all-round support,” the head of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
“It would be wrong not to use the current huge interest and attention from the international community of experts for the benefit of the process. I mean the full discussion of the Minsk Agreements and lessons learned, bottlenecks and problematic issues, searching for options and ways to resolve them. This is why the experts of the Normandy Four member states have gathered here today,” Vladimir Makei noted.
Vladimir Makei emphasized the importance of the fact that Minsk has once again become the center of attraction for the Normandy Four member states, this time at the level of experts. The official expressed confidence that the Minsk Dialogue, some events of which were held last year, will further promote good neighborly relations, comprehensive cooperation, and better understanding of each other.
He wished the participants of the conference constructive discussion and new ideas for the benefit of peace and security in the region.
“Trust, dialogue and respect are the things which we obviously lack in today's world and which should become a secure foundation for cooperation between the states tomorrow,” said Vladimir Makei.
