Events

MINSK, 10 November (BelTA) – Belarusian consular services in European countries issued about 140,000 visas in H1 2014, Deputy Foreign Minister Yelena Kupchina said at a meeting of workers of Belarusian consular services in European countries, BelTA has learned.

Yelena Kupchina remarked that in January-June 2014 Belarusian consular agencies in European countries provided help to more than 600 Belarusian citizens, collected about $13 million of consular fees, conducted over 15,000 consular operations.

The Deputy Foreign Minister stressed that Belarusian foreign offices and especially consular services are focused on the protection of the interests of physical and judicial bodies abroad. The official deems it necessary to apply flexible approaches to the work with citizens and to the resolution of visa issues.

Yelena Kupchina also praised the positive dynamics of ministerial consultations on consular issues which help address many issues on the bilateral agenda in the working mode.

The event is held in Minsk on 10-11 November. The session is attended by senior officials of the Foreign Ministry and its divisions. Participants of the session will analyze the efforts of Belarusian consular agencies to protect the rights and legal interests of Belarusian citizens abroad. Workers of consular institutions will meet with government officials and representatives of other Belarusian organizations in order to enhance common approaches and develop concrete recommendations on the improvement of work in this field.