MINSK, 23 November (BelTA) – Belarus' Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Aleinik met with Regional Director for IOM's Regional Office covering South-Eastern Europe, Eastern Europe and Central Asia Renate Held and Deputy Director of the UNHCR Regional Bureau for Europe Angela Li Rosi in Minsk on 23 November, BelTA learned from the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus.
During the meeting, the parties reaffirmed commitment to maintaining and further developing cooperation between the Republic of Belarus, on the one hand, and IOM and UNHCR, on the other.
The parties also exchanged views on the situation with refugees and migrants who got trapped on the border of Belarus with Poland on their way to the European Union.
The representatives of the international organizations informed the Belarusian party about the opportunities available under their mandates to assist in resolving refugee and migrant crisis situations, including their voluntary return to their homeland and reunification with families in EU countries and other states. They confirmed their intention to continue to provide humanitarian assistance to refugees and migrants together with Belarusian partners.
Sergei Aleinik took note of the significant contribution of UNHCR and IOM to the humanitarian support of refugees and migrants, expressed hope for the continued cooperation in this area. He called on the international organizations to cooperate with Poland and the EU which have so far remained indifferent to the requests of refugees and migrants seeking to reach the European Union.
