MINSK, 26 November (BelTA) – Belarus makes an important contribution to stronger peace in the region and facilitates the dialogue between the main players. Chairman of the International Affairs Commission of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus Valery Voronetsky made the statement during the Berlin Foreign Policy Forum, the press service of the lower chamber of the Belarusian parliament told BelTA.
The Belarusian MP took part in a panel session on problems of the European neighborhood policy. The European Union's Eastern Partnership Initiative and its effect on stability and security in the region were in the center of attention. Valery Voronetsky answered the moderator's question about how Belarus sees its role in helping reduce tensions in Eastern Europe and in the standoff between the West and Russia. Valery Voronetsky noted that while maintaining mutually respectful and pragmatic relations with all the neighbors, primarily Russia and the European Union, as a sovereign and independent country Belarus makes a genuinely important contribution to stronger peace and stability in the region. The country facilitates the dialogue and better understanding between the main players.
Valery Voronetsky stressed that a responsible attitude is important in the course of working out strategic development and cooperation goals. It should rely on the principle of mutual accommodation of interests.
The Belarusian MP also said he believes that both the European Union and Russia are ultimately interested in making Eastern Europe prosperous, stable, and safe instead of leaving it as a zone of conflicts and geopolitical standoff. It would contribute to the consolidation of Greater Europe and to bolstering its competitive ability. “It is obvious that in these conditions Belarus' role will grow as an independent and sovereign country, as a donor of stability and security in the region,” Valery Voronetsky believes.
The Berlin Foreign Policy Forum 2019 took place on 25-26 November. Its participants discussed matters of geopolitics, European integration, the European Union's role, international security, and the prevention of an arms race. Close attention was paid to the tenth anniversary of the Eastern Partnership Initiative.
The Berlin Foreign Policy Forum is organized by the Korber Foundation. It is one of the most prestigious and respected conferences in the field. It traditionally gathers about 250 high-ranking German and foreign politicians, state figures, diplomats, experts, and reporters. The forum has been taking place in Berlin regularly since 2011.
