Events

MINSK, 8 September (BelTA) – Belarusian diasporas are interested in close dialogue with the state for the benefit of the country and the people, Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei told the media following the third session of the Consultative Council for Belarusians Abroad at the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 8 September, BelTA has learned.

“We have been gaining ground session by session. The talks are becoming more substantive. For example, ten years ago there was some mistrust and uncertainty between the state and diasporas as to the need to cooperate. Nowadays this attitude is changing. Diasporas are interested in close cooperation with the state, which will benefit both the country and the people,” Vladimir Makei said.

“In my opinion, the most important thing is that a certain trend emerged over the last few years after a relevant law on Belarusians abroad was adopted. This trend is about the growing understanding: not only should the state help its diasporas but the diasporas should also make a lot of effort to help the country develop. This is a two-way street,” the minister added.

In his words, the meeting discussed the proposal to draw up a strategic concept of relations between the state and diasporas. “This proposal was approved almost unanimously by the Consultative Council. We will now be thinking how to move forward on this. We need to identify the strategic avenues of cooperation with the diasporas. This, by the way, fully corresponds with the president’s instruction to intensify the interaction of the Belarusian diplomatic missions with the diasporas,” Vladimir Makei summarized.