MINSK, 12 July (BelTA) – Any Belarusian minister should act and acts exclusively in the interests of their nation, Belarus' Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei told the RT TV channel, BelTA has learned.
“I know that this kind of labels are attached by certain marginal political forces in Russia and some media outlets. I should say that we do not have such projects [with the West], as some neighboring countries have. This is just impossible. We do not have pro-Western, pro-Eastern, pro-Southern or pro-Northern members of the government. People are not appointed based on their political or personal preferences,” Vladimir Makei said.
He noted that he could not imagine a situation in Belarus when, for example, a defense minister has a degree in environmental studies. “People are appointed to certain positions depending on their competencies and on whether they can act in the interests of the Belarusian people. Our government members come from commoners, not from aristocracy,” he emphasized.
“Therefore, you always need to look at what is behind a certain statement, behind a certain fact of labeling and who is talking about it. I think that there are always certain interests behind it. But I would like to assure you once again that any minister, Belarusian minister, member of the government acted, acts and will act exclusively in the interests of the Belarusian people. He/she must do this. We have a clear system as to who shapes foreign policy and foreign economic activity. And any person appointed to this position must meet these criteria,” the diplomat said.
Vladimir Makei added: “I cannot call myself categorically pro-Western or pro-Eastern. I believe that any decisions related to the state and society should be taken exclusively in Minsk and not under pressure of external circumstances. Decisions should be made in Minsk, not in Brussels, Moscow, Washington, London or some other country. Therefore, in order to dot the i's, I want to say that I consider myself a person who loves his country and his people. And I have always acted and will act exclusively in the interests of our state and society.”
