Opinions & Interviews

A reception for military attaches was held on behalf of the Belarusian Defense Minister on 19 February to mark Defender of the Fatherland Day and Armed Forces Day.

In his welcoming speech, Andrei Ravkov emphasized that Belarus has never been a threat to any other nation, and has never had any territorial claims. “Our country has never interfered in the internal affairs of other states. Our Military Doctrine clearly states that Belarus views no country as an enemy. The same principle is laid down in the draft of the new doctrine,” Andrei Ravkov pointed out.

He added that the events like the reception allow military attaches to form an opinion about Belarus as an open and reliable partner with a predictable military policy.

On the same day, Oleg Voinov, the head of the international military cooperation department – aide to the Defense Minister for international military cooperation, held a briefing for military attaches. The diplomats were briefed about the key points of Belarus’ draft new Military Doctrine, the current state and major guidelines for the formation and development of the Belarusian Armed Forces for the next five years, the military training of the Armed Forces in the 2015-2016 academic year, and Belarus’ compliance with international obligations under different arms control agreements.

The military attaches were invited to attend a number of events to celebrate Defender of the Fatherland Day and Armed Forces Day in Belarus, including a concert on 22 February and a wreath and flower laying ceremony on 23 February.