MINSK, 16 October (BelTA) – An information day of NATO's Science for Peace and Security program took place in Minsk on 16 October, the press service of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs told BelTA.
The event was organized by the State Science and Technology Committee and the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus with assistance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrei Dapkiunas took part in the opening ceremony. He underlined the importance of the fact that the NATO program targets a broad range of matters, including the enhancement of energy security and ecological safety, response to terrorist threats, cybersecurity. The diplomat also noted that Belarus has been taking part in the program since 1992. In his words, the program represents a unique platform for non-military scientific cooperation of NATO member states and NATO partners. Nearly 40 projects involving Belarusian scientists and their colleagues from 42 countries have been implemented as part of the program primarily in the area of fundamental and applied research.
Andrei Dapkiunas said he was confident the information day would foster the advancement of cooperation in science between Belarus and member states and NATO partners. The information day is also expected to make a good contribution to stronger mutual understanding and trust, which are in short supply in Europe and the world as a whole these days.
The NATO delegation was led by NATO Assistant Secretary General for Emerging Security Challenges Antonio Missiroli.
The Science for Peace and Security (SPS) program is a NATO tool designed to foster the advancement of cooperation and dialogue with all partners through scientific research, innovations, and experience exchange. Security-related researches jointly pursued by a NATO member and a NATO partner receive funding and expert assistance as part of the program. Since its inception the program has established a broad international network of representatives of the scientific community and the expert community of NATO member states and NATO partner states. About 2,000 experts take part in events of the program every year.
