ISTANBUL, 14 April (BelTA) – New opportunities for advancing mutually beneficial contacts will emerge thanks to Belarus' acquisition of the observer status in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko made the statement in his speech during the 13th summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Istanbul, BelTA has learned.
“I believe that taking into account the advanced level of our trustful relations with many Muslim countries and the affinity of views on fundamental international matters granting the OIC observer status to Belarus would be the next logical step that would bring about new opportunities for advancing mutually beneficial cooperation,” stated Alexander Lukashenko.
He assured that Muslim countries will always find a reliable and predictable partner in Belarus.
According to the head of state, Belarus shares the OIC's universal principles of non-interference with domestic affairs of sovereign nations and respect for their territorial integrity. Belarus is against employing force and is in favor of resolving conflicts by peaceful means. “The concurrence of Belarus' and OIC members' views on many fundamental matters allows us to work together to promote traditional family values, defend the versatility of ways of progressive development, step up efforts in the fight against trafficking in persons, and cooperate within the framework of the global initiative Alliance of Civilizations,” said the Belarusian leader.
