Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 25 October (BelTA) – Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko deems it necessary to enhance relations with Western Europe. He made the statement when appointing new ambassadors to Germany and Romania on 25 October, BelTA has learned.

The head of state asked about the personal qualities and the experience of new diplomats. He emphasized that the embassies and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in general should not only represent the country abroad but also do their best to promote trade and economic cooperation between Belarus and other countries. “The trade turnover is the main thing. You will represent your country and will be responsible for a certain trade volume because it brings foreign currency to the country. This is a priority for our state,” Alexander Lukashenko said.

When appointing the ambassador to Germany, the President pointed out the importance of developing relations in this direction, and with Western Europe in general. “There will be big pressure on him and on the embassy as far as the intensification of ties is concerned. It is not even an intensification, as we need to make a breakthrough using all factors and methods of work,” he noted.

According to the President, it is also important for the officials of various levels to be good executives, have their own positions and opinions about the resolution of certain issues, and act in compliance with the interests of the state. “We do not need silent officials. They should voice and defend their position. If they cannot defend it, it means that the opinion of someone else was stronger. But a person, especially an ambassador, must have his or her own opinion,” the head of state said.

Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei assured the President that the two diplomats are responsible and professional people with enough experience for the work as ambassadors.

Vladimir Makei also said that Germany becomes one of Belarus’ main partners and has a rather constructive and pragmatic position regarding the political interaction and the development of trade and economic cooperation.

Apart from that, there is certain progress in the all-round cooperation with Romania.

It was reported earlier that Denis Sidorenko had been appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to Germany, and Andrei Grinkevich had been appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to Romania.