Opinions & Interviews
Russian expert: Belarus was and remains a significant global player
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MINSK, 15 December (BelTA) - Belarus was and remains a very significant global player and a platform for discussing important international issues, Elena Ponomareva, Doctor of Political Science, Professor at MGIMO (Moscow State Institute of International Relations), said in the latest episode of the V Teme [On Point] project on BelTA’s YouTube channel.
In recent years, Belarus has been considered an example of stability and security on the European continent. “Belarus was and remains a very significant world state. Although in political science classifications it falls into the category of a frontier state because, as fate would have it, it is situated between major systems while being the center of Europe, Belarus as a global player is also responsible for all of European security. It is no coincidence that this past year, at the end of October, the third international conference on Eurasian security was held, with more than 40 countries represented. Moreover, leaders from countries that usually try to stay out of the public spotlight were present,” the political analyst noted. “In the corridors, there were representatives from states that pursue a super-unfriendly policy towards Belarus and Russia, but these are like scouts, interlocutors, who come to the Belarusian platform to lay down some straw for themselves, because the confrontation that exists today is not eternal. I am sure there will be a warming in the coming years.”
The MGIMO professor considers Belarus an important platform for discussion, including on global issues, at the level of both experts and politicians. In this context, visits by representatives of European countries to Belarus, as well as visits by the president of Belarus abroad, become logical. “This demonstrates an incredibly high level of interest from major regional players in Belarus. This is evidenced by the investment packages that have been brought and are in demand in Belarusian education, the humanitarian sector, cooperation in medicine, and the IT sector, which, as we know, is at a very high, world-class level in Belarus. Belarus is among the top countries in IT industry development. I believe the Republic of Belarus can only look to the future with optimism. This does not mean there won’t be difficulties to overcome. But this future is definitely optimistic, one where much work is needed, where one must be accountable for one’s words, demonstrate the necessary political restraint and shrewdness simultaneously, and where one does not have to immediately respond to every proposal,” the analyst shared her opinion.
Elena Ponomareva also commented on the visa-waiver Belarus offers a number of countries. “I would even say it is an interesting technology for attracting supporters, for opening up to the world. Yes, it is a technology because people who can freely come to the country form a completely special impression, seeing that this country is truly ready to welcome guests, it is friendly and expects these people. This is very important. It also matters in a financial sense for many visitors to the country, because it still saves tens, maybe even hundreds of euros, I don’t know how much that procedure would cost now, but it is substantial. It’s better to spend that on travel, restaurants, souvenirs, and so on. And besides, it changes trip planning itself. If you’re waiting for a visa, you have to start everything much earlier, submit documents, wonder if they’ll give it or not. Here, you buy tickets, book a hotel online, and you’re free. In this sense, the peaceful, open character of the country is truly demonstrated. Of course, we understand that not only friends use this, so control is necessary,” the political analyst remarked.
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