Events

Belarus FM stresses inadmissibility of politicizing pandemic-related issues

Vladimir Makei

MINSK, 18 June (BelTA) - Belarus' Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei stressed the inadmissibility of politicizing the pandemic-related issues as he spoke during the international videoconference held as part of the Belt and Road initiative, BelTA has learned.

The minister of foreign affairs emphasized the right of each state to determine its own tactics and strategy to stem the spread of the coronavirus, stressing the inadmissibility of politicizing the pandemic-related issues. “COVID-19 is a new reality, and the world must mobilize to defeat the pandemic and the subsequent global economic crisis. The only driving force behind this effort must be common sense. Any politicization of the reality of coronavirus can only exacerbate the damage and delay recovery,” said the minister.

In his words, mutual accusations and trade protectionism are destroying the long-standing multilateral trading system, while difficult times have led to discrimination, racism and xenophobia, which should not be present in modern society, especially when countries are facing this century's biggest world crisis. “Only through joint coordinated efforts can we defeat the virus and its negative consequences,” the diplomat said.

Vladimir Makei thanked the World Health Organization for its assistance and expressed interest in developing fruitful cooperation with the WHO and the UN in the spirit of unity, solidarity and mutual support. Speaking about Belarus' participation in the Belt and Road initiative, the minister confirmed the country's interest in joint logistics projects and the development of high-tech industries.

The videoconference was organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China. It was one of the events that followed last year's international Belt and Road Forum. The meeting was chaired by Wang Yi, a member of the State Council of China, Minister of Foreign Affairs. The conference was attended by representatives of 25 countries. Director-General of the World Health Organization Tedros Ghebreyesus and UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner also addressed the conference.

According to the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the participants discussed the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, ways to restore economies, as well as joint projects under the Belt and Road initiative.

“A joint statement was adopted with an aim to promote positive signals of countries in strengthening cooperation in response to the pandemic, promoting the Belt and Road initiative, harmonizing approaches in combating pandemics and restoring social and economic development,” the ministry said.

print version

make home page

add to bookmarks