Events

MINSK, 3 December (BelTA) – Matters concerning the development of cooperation between the Republic of Belarus and the Council of Europe were discussed by Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei and Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjorn Jagland in Belgrade, Serbia on 3 December, the press service of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs told BelTA.

The 22^nd session of the OSCE Ministerial Council is scheduled to take place in Belgrade on 3-4 December. The Belarusian delegation is led by Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei.

Vladimir Makei made a speech during the plenary session of the OSCE Ministerial Council. In particular, he noted that a brand new security situation had evolved in the OSCE region. The situation is characterized by critical aggravation of challenges and threats that test the durability limits of the OSCE foundation.

Vladimir Makei drew attention to the need to build up security and stability in Europe and raise trust through a dialogue based on mutual respect. He also called for consolidating efforts of all the member states and the organization itself. The Minister of Foreign Affairs stated that Belarus is ready to step up its contribution to the common efforts, including in arms control, fight against terrorism and illegal migration, and support for the peace process in Ukraine.

Vladimir Makei took part in an informal meeting of the ministers of foreign affairs of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) member states. Participants of the meeting adopted a joint statement on the OSCE role in the pan-European security system.

The Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs also met with Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs Paolo Gentiloni and Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs Marina Kaljurand. A large number of matters were discussed concerning the bilateral agenda and cooperation between Belarus and the European Union.

During the meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro Igor Luksic a protocol was signed on cooperation between the ministries of foreign affairs of the two countries. Promising ways to step up interaction were sketched out.

The 22^nd session of the OSCE Ministerial Council will continue on 4 December. It will end with the adoption of a number of resulting documents.