Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 14 February (BelTA) – Promoting connectivity in a greater Europe will be a priority for Belarus CEI Presidency, Belarus’ Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei said at the first meeting of the CEI Committee of National Coordinators (CNC) under the auspices of Belarus CEI presidency in 2017 in Minsk, BelTA has learned.

“Belarus sees the promotion of connectivity in a greater Europe as the top priority of its presidency of the CEI. This vast theme covers different aspects of the interaction that are equally important and complementary in promoting the unity of the CEI countries and also various integration associations on the continent,” Vladimir Makei said.

According to him, Belarus would like to make additional efforts to develop the key transport links in the CEI region, which are the main infrastructural corridors for national economies. In this respect it is important to take account of the relevant transport system development concepts such as the trans-European transport network in the EU and the Chinese initiative One Belt, One Road.

“Work in this area requires wider interaction of the CEI with European and international financial institutions to ensure joint medium- and long-term planning for investments. Our traditional partnership with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development should be complemented by cooperation with other relevant actors such as the European Investment Bank and infrastructure funds of Asia,” Vladimir Makei noted.

The diplomat believes that it is also necessary to consider the various horizontal aspects of connectivity to maximize the benefits of the existing infrastructure. This includes the convergence of norms and standards relating to trade, digitization of the procedures and services, support for public entrepreneurship and innovation along the key transport corridors. In achieving these goals, we should make use of the extensive experience of the CEI in the promotion of the economic and social development, including by supporting the relevant EU policies and programs, Vladimir Makei noted.