Dialogue, political and diplomatic efforts seen as only way to restore peace in the region

MINSK, 14 February (BelTA) – Only dialogue and political and diplomatic efforts can help restore peace in the region, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus Sergei Aleinik told journalists following his meeting with Hungary's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto, BelTA has learned.

“We have discussed in detail the international agenda and the situation in the region. We pointed to a deep crisis of European security, which cannot but worry our countries,” the Belarusian foreign minister said. “Of course, in this context, the situation in Ukraine was the focus of our attention,” he noted.

“We are on the same page with our Hungarian partners in many ways. The two countries do not support the pumping of the conflict zone with Western weapons and we are in favor of a peaceful settlement of the situation,” he said.

Sergei Aleinik recalled that in 2022 Hungary offered to host peace talks. Belarus hosted such talks several times after 2014. Last year, three rounds of negotiations were held on the Belarusian soil.

The foreign minister confirmed that Belarus is ready to continue doing this. “Minsk has always been and will be open to the world,” Sergei Aleinik emphasized. “Belarus is doing everything in its power to restore peace and calm, as our people know the value and significance of peace like no other,” he added.

According to Sergei Aleinik, Belarus and Hungary have many areas of common interest. “We largely understand each other's approaches and positions and see cooperation prospects in various fields,” he said.

Sergei Aleinik thanked his Hungarian counterpart for a constructive and substantive conversation and expressed confidence that the positive trend in dialogue and cooperation between Belarus and Hungary would continue.