At the UN General Assembly Small States’ Forum, Mr. Makei spoke of the role played by small and medium-sized countries in today’s system of international relations, including their relations with large countries. The Belarusian Foreign Minister underlined that the emergence of numerous players on the international arena, including small states, helps strengthen the global multi-polar system.
He held brief meetings with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, as well as with the foreign ministers of Gabon, Gambia, Luxembourg, Singapore and Tuvalu. He also met the former President of Finland, Nobel Peace laureate Martti Ahtisaari.
The same day, Mr. Makei spoke at a high level conference dedicated to the 15th anniversary of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on their Destruction. He noted that, in our age of global and regional challenges and threats, the Convention is a vital engine of disarmament and international security.
Belarus views the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, established 15 years ago, as a perfect example of multilateral efforts to eliminate one of the deadliest weapons of mass destruction created by humankind.
Mr Makei is confident that a multi-polar approach to disarmament and non-proliferation is the best way to maintain international peace and security. He declared that concerted efforts are the only way for the international community to free the planet of chemical weapons, bringing peace to everyone.
Belarus’ Foreign Minister, Vladimir Makei, met UN General Secretary Ban Ki-moon, in New York, to discuss interaction between Belarus and the UN. Mr. Makei confirmed an invitation to the General Secretary to visit our country and negotiated with the General Secretary of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, Ahmet Ьzьmcь, discussing further steps to develop co-operation.
