Events

Belarus calls for non-discrimination, equal opportunities for all countries at CEI summit

MINSK, 3 December (BelTA) – A Belarusian delegation led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Aleinik took part in a meeting of heads of government of the Central European Initiative (CEI) member states in Budva, Montenegro on 2-3 December, the press service of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs told BelTA.

During the plenary session of the summit Sergei Aleinik spoke in favor of further strengthening the role of the Central European Initiative as a platform for dialogue and for advancing regional cooperation. He spoke in favor of expanding contacts between member countries by strengthening transport links, harmonizing trade procedures, facilitating transit as well as promoting energy and digital interconnection.

Sergei Aleinik called for enhancing the economic dimension of the Central European Initiative, for advancing partnership with other international organizations. He stressed that the Central European Initiative could play an important role in interlinking integration processes on the European continent.

The need to step up cooperation in science and technologies was also noted.

The head of the Belarusian delegation also drew attention to the importance of developing post-COVID Europe on principles of non-discrimination, equal opportunities for all countries, respect for their sovereignty and independence, rejection of separation with artificial walls and barriers, abolition of rudimentary methods of pressuring others such as sanctions and restrictions, which contradict international law.

It was stressed that such measures, particularly economic ones, violate the right of states and nations to development in addition to expanding the gap between countries of the West and the East.

The potentially important role of the Central European Initiative in stabilizing the situation, establishing bridges and building up trust between countries of Greater Europe was emphasized.

Within the framework of the summit Sergei Aleinik met with CEI Secretary General Roberto Antonione. The sides discussed prospects of Belarus-CEI cooperation.

Sergei Aleinik also met with WHO Regional Director for Europe Hans Kluge. Practical aspects of Belarus-WHO interaction were discussed.

Apart from that, Sergei Aleinik had a number of bilateral meetings with heads of other delegations on the sidelines of the summit.

Established in 1989, the Central European Initiative (CEI) is an interstate association designed to advance regional cooperation. At present CEI includes 17 countries: Albania, Belarus, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary, Italy, Moldova, Poland, Romania, North Macedonia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Ukraine, Croatia, Montenegro, and Czechia. Belarus has been a CEI member since 1996.

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