News & Events in Belarus

Fine-tuning foreign policy: Key takeaways from Lukashenko’s meeting with diplomats

MINSK, 31 July (BelTA) - Belarus needs to fine-tune its steps on the foreign policy front, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he met with heads of Belarusian diplomatic missions on 31 July, BelTA has learned.

“No matter how clear and historically validated a strategy may be, it requires constant tactical adjustments. The ability to promptly adapt actions within the framework of a broader goal is what makes governance viable and diplomatically effective. Today, we will discuss precise calibration of our foreign policy efforts, tailored to specific regions and cross-cutting issues,” the head of state said.

According to him, the economy remains a cornerstone for Belarus. “It is the foundation. If the economy in vibrant, we will live well and resolve all issues, be it social, cultural, or defense-related,” the president stressed.

The president noted that Belarus is a medium-sized country with an open, export-oriented economy. Expanding and improving foreign trade efficiency are absolute priorities, essential for survival.

“This vulnerability of ours is being exploited by both economic competitors and political opponents, including the self-exiled opposition. Since 2020, the European Union has produced 18 sanction packages, though the pace has slowed. In 2022, they adopted five, then four, then three. This year, there has been just one so far. Have they run out of things to ban? Or have they realized they’re shooting themselves in the foot? Probably both,” the head of state said.

The president expressed confidence that success in achieving objectives depends directly on strict task execution and impeccable discipline. “You are more than military personnel. Remember: without the readiness to defend Belarus' national interests, nothing will be accomplished,” he emphasized addressing the participants of the meeting. “Or it will be accomplished, only without you. I would hate to see that happening. I truly would. I often say: you are like my children. We will never allow a repetition of 2020 in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs system.”

The head of state emphasized that every diplomatic mission leader bears full responsibility for their assigned region and country of accreditation. “Each of you was informed about this upon appointment and received specific instructions. While economic priorities remain overarching, ambassadors are given personal tasks. Accordingly, the evaluation of their performance must be conducted on a strictly case-by-case basis,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

The president expressed confidence in the coordinated efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and all relevant agencies, stating: “Let me reiterate: these are wartime conditions, and diplomats are actually military personnel too.”

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