MINSK, 18 April (BelTA) – Belarus and Finland are natural partners in various areas, Belarus' Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Oleg Kravchenko said as he addressed the ceremony to open the new office of the Finnish Embassy in Minsk on 18 April, BelTA has learned.
“Since our countries are part of the Baltic Sea region, we have many similar interests. We are natural partners in various areas,” said Oleg Kravchenko.
According to him, Belarus and Finland have a solid foundation for the further development of cooperation in regional and universal international organizations. “This foundation is respect for international law. It is international law that our countries primarily rely on while promoting national interests,” the deputy minister stressed.
He stressed that every nation chooses its own path of development and strengthening statehood and national identity. “Finland, just as Belarus, has two official languages. Belarus, just as Finland, relies on scientific and technological progress and innovations, paying particular attention to education,” Oleg Kravchenko said. Among the distinctive features of Belarusians and Finns are the love of nature and sports, especially winter sports.
“The name of the Finnish capital, Helsinki, has become synonymous with multilateral negotiations and diplomatic efforts to find peaceful resolution of international disputes. Continuing the constructive tradition of dialogue, diplomacy and peacemaking, Minsk has established itself as the place of talks to ease dangerous tensions and promote international rule of law,” the deputy minister said.
