MINSK, 2 September (BelTA) – The USA's hurried withdrawal from Afghanistan may be an attempt to create a trouble spot in the region. Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei made the statement while talking to reporters on 2 September, BelTA has learned.
Vladimir Makei said: “The matter of the withdrawal of American troops and their allies from Afghanistan requires a thorough analysis. But nobody can rule out that such a hurried flight of American troops is truly connected to some geopolitical desires and possibilities. It may be an attempt to create a trouble spot in this region, which affects security in Central Asia, which is directly related to interests of China and Russia, which are geopolitical players and have their own interests in this region.”
Speaking about Belarus' approach to the matter, Vladimir Makei noted that it is necessary to keep in mind that there is a real threat relating to the increase in extremism, terrorism, and drugs smuggling. “But we shouldn't rush things. We have to see how the situation inside Afghanistan develops, what government is formed, what political principles they will state, and how they are going to build relations with neighbors. Most importantly we need a clear understanding that Afghanistan should not be a source of threats for neighboring countries and our countries,” Vladimir Makei remarked.
“We closely track the situation in Afghanistan. We will look at statements of the current leadership of this country and concrete actions. Naturally we will shape our policy accordingly,” Vladimir Makei stressed.
The official added that that region and Afghanistan in particular are of serious interest for Belarus, including from the point of view of merchandise export. “We would be interested in having normal trade and economic relations with a country that advocates principles of peacefulness, friendship with its neighbors, and that does not create tension in the region,” the minister of foreign affairs said.
