Events

8 Apr 2019

Belarus FM to attend UNECE session

Photo from the archive

MINSK, 8 April (BelTA) – Belarus’ Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei is on a visit to Geneva, Switzerland on 7-9 April, BelTA learned from the press service of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The minister is expected to take part in the 68th session of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) on 9-10 April, the Belarusian-Swiss business forum, and high-level discussions on security. Vladimir Makei is also set to hold meetings with UNECE Executive Secretary Olga Algayerova and Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva Michael Moller.

The minister will also open the Belarusian art exhibition at the Geneva United Nations Office to mark 50 years since Belarus’ permanent representation in Geneva started operation.

On 8 April, Vladimir Makei held talks with UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibe. “Vladimir Makei stressed at the meeting the important contribution of UNAIDS to the efforts to combat the HIV/AIDS in Belarus, including through the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, which continues to co-finance state programs. He also expressed hope that constructive cooperation will help our country to effectively confront the problem in the future,” said representatives of Belarus’ permanent representation to the UN Office and other international organizations in Geneva.

The UNAIDS executive director, who visited Minsk in 2017, welcomed Belarus’ achievements in public healthcare, emphasizing its universal accessibility and high quality. Michel Sidibe also stressed that Belarus is a regional leader in the fight against HIV/AIDS. In this regard, he emphasized the interest of UNAIDS in maintaining Belarus Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ active support in international cooperation to combat AIDS, including the use of international practices and expertise which lead to increased access to drugs and reduced transmission of the virus.

Vladimir Makei and Michel Sidibe agreed to continue active cooperation to strengthen the capacity of the Belarusian healthcare system in developing an effective HIV/AIDS barrier and providing the necessary range of services to all HIV-positive and AIDS patients, including resistance to stigma and discrimination.

The minister also took part in a high-level panel discussion on security.

The Belarusian-Swiss business forum Doing Business in Belarus is to open later on the day.