Opinions & Interviews
USA interested in stronger bilateral relations with Belarus
MINSK, 7 October (BelTA) – The USA is interested in strengthening and further normalization of bilateral relations with Belarus, BelTA learned from Director of the Eastern Europe Office of the U.S. Department of State Brad Freden on the sidelines of the Minsk Dialogue forum "European security: Stepping back from the brink" on 7 October.
In his words, the USA looks forward to stronger and deeper cooperation with Belarus. He remarked that the two countries share common interests in various spheres where they could work together.
Brad Freden reminded that United States Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs David Hale visited Belarus in September. As he met with Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko, the diplomat mentioned the diplomatic presence would be restored at the level of ambassadors. During the visit it was noted that the USA does not ask Belarus to choose between the East and the West. “Taking into account its geographical position, economic and political relations, Belarus will always have a special format of relations with the eastern neighbor,” Brad Freden stressed.
The diplomat described discussion during the Minsk Dialogue forum as an important contribution to regional security. He noted the international community needs such a discussion platform.
The Minsk Dialogue forum “European security: Stepping back from the brink” opened in the Belarusian capital on 7 October. Taking part in the two-day forum are high-ranking government officials, former politicians with international experience, academic experts. Their total number is expected to exceed last year’s when the forum gathered over 500 representatives from 59 countries. Participants of the forum will be able to openly debate the present and future of European security and try to find mutually acceptable security standards for all. The event has gathered high-ranking officials and leading experts from the European Union, Russia, the USA, China, countries of Eastern Europe, South Caucasus, and Central Asia.
The Minsk Dialogue was launched as an expert initiative in early 2015. It is supposed to offer an open platform for research and discussion about international relations and security in Eastern Europe without geopolitical dividing lines. Minsk Dialogue events regularly gather international experts as well as high-ranking state figures and diplomats.
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