Events
Ryzhenkov warns of erosion of security system, calls for global dialogue at UN
An archive photo
The Belarusian delegation led by Minister of Foreign Affairs Maksim Ryzhenkov took part in the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York. The Belarusian delegation focused on promoting the ideas of a multi-polar world and regionalism, consolidation of like-minded countries seeking a more just world order based on mutual respect and consideration of legitimate interests of all countries.
The Belarusian foreign minister addressed the General Debate, participated in meetings of the foreign ministers of the CSTO member states, the Ministerial Meeting of the Group of Friends of the UN Alliance of Civilizations, and the Ministerial Meeting of the Group of Friends in Defence of the UN Charter. Preliminary results suggest that the work of the Belarusian delegation was quite fruitful and effective.
Root causes of the erosion of the global security system
On 28 September, during the General Debate at the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly, Maksim Ryzhenkov named the main causes of the erosion of the global security system and the UN’s diminishing capacity to address the most acute conflicts and problems of humanity.
In this regard, he drew attention to the initiative of the Belarusian head of state to immediately embark on global security dialogue.
UN should free itself from the dictate of individual countries
The minister emphasized that the UN should free itself from the dictate of individual states that believe they have a free hand and are above everyone.
He noted that the Belarusian side insisted that the UN Security Council should be reformed to allow greater representation for large developing countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America.
The head of the Belarusian delegation called on the UN to support more actively regional processes, since regionalism is a key reality of today.
On destructive impact of illegal sanctions
Separately, Maksim Ryzhenkov called for meaningful and objective assessment by the Organization of the negative impact of sanctions on sustainable development.
Guterres on the prominent role of Belarus in the UN
The minister of foreign affairs of Belarus was received by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The parties discussed the international agenda, including global and regional security. Maksim Ryzhenkov urged to enhance the role of the UN in countering illegal unilateral coercive measures.
The secretary-general emphasized the active and meaningful role of Belarus in the UN and conveyed his warmest regards to the Belarusian head of state.
Negotiations of the CSTO foreign ministers
The CSTO foreign ministers held substantial negotiations upon the initiative of Kazakhstan.
The foreign ministers discussed the organization's activities, regional security, and upcoming high-level and top-level events within the CSTO.
Bilateral meetings
On the sidelines of the session, Maksim Ryzhenkov held separate bilateral meetings with a number of representatives of international organizations and foreign countries.
A constructive dialogue with President of the International Committee of the Red Cross Mirjana Spoljaric Egger took place at the UN headquarters.
The Group of Friends is an informal association of like-minded states, created at the initiative of Venezuela in July 2021. The group consists of Algeria, Belarus, Bolivia, China, Cuba, North Korea, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Iran, Laos, Mali, Nicaragua, Palestine, Russia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Syria, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe. The objectives of the group include opposing unilateral coercive measures, defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of member states in accordance with the principles of international law, and promoting joint initiatives aimed at protecting and strengthening the authority of the UN Charter.
The first ministerial meeting of the Group of Friends was held on the sidelines of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly in New York, USA on 23 September 2021. The second ministerial meeting was held on the sidelines of the 60th anniversary of the Non-Aligned Movement in Belgrade, Serbia on 12 October 2021. The third ministerial meeting was held during the High Level Week of the 77th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York, USA on 22 September 2022. The fourth ministerial meeting was held during the High Level Week of the 78th UN General Assembly in New York, USA on 22 September 2023. The fifth ministerial meeting was held on the sidelines of the 19th Summit of Heads of State and Heads of Government of the Non-Aligned Movement in Kampala, Uganda on 18 January 2024. The meetings resulted in the adoption of political declarations.
Group of Friends of the UN Alliance of Civilizations
Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Maksim Ryzhenkov participated in the ministerial meeting of the Group of Friends of the UN Alliance of Civilizations chaired by UN Under-Secretary-General, High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Spain Miguel Moratinos.
The Alliance of Civilizations is an international organization founded in 2005 as the initiative of former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan with the support of the governments of Spain and Türkiye. The aim of the organizations is to promote inter-ethnic, inter-cultural and inter-religious dialogue. The Group of Friends of the Alliance of Civilizations consists of 160 members (130 UN member states, Palestine and 29 international organizations). The Alliance of Civilizations works in five areas: education, youth, media, migration and gender equality.
Ryzhenkov expressed support for UN Alliance of Civilizations
Belarus is home to 156 nationalities and 25 confessions, and the Belarusian society has never faced any disagreements based on racial, national and religious enmity, the minister said as he addressed the UN General Assembly. One of the pillars of Belarusian society is the respect for all nationalities, religions and languages without any discrimination.
Maksim Ryzhenkov expressed support for the Alliance's efforts to involve youth, who should play a creative role and assist governments in shaping the national policy of the future, in the decision-making process.
The minister noted that Belarus views migration as a phenomenon able to make a positive contribution to the development of any society through culture, knowledge, customs and traditions. He pointed out the increasingly politicized nature of this matter and called to address any controversial issues through dialogue.
Emphasizing the important role of the media in educating and promoting sustainable progress, Maksim Ryzhenkov urged the Alliance of Civilizations to step up the fight against hate speech and misinformation.
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