Our Good neighbours article notes that ‘several years ago, one could hardly imagine that the presidents of Belarus and Ukraine would meet four times a year’. However, this is reality. Detailing the Belarusian President’s visit to Kiev, it envisages further promotion of bilateral relationships between Ukraine and Belarus. The political vector, as in many other cases, primarily stimulates the development of the economy. Our article entitled Boosting the River Dnieper notes that the expansion of trade and economy will soon yield fruit for our two neighbouring states.
Mutual liaisons with more remote countries are also being stimulated — such as those between Belarus and Azerbaijan. Friendly accent tells us about a top level meeting in Minsk between President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko and President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. A range of initiatives were raised, bringing mutual relations to a new stage. Projects beneficial to both parties were announced and activities co-ordinated, leading to Belarus and Azerbaijan’s agreement to enter third markets together. Undoubtedly, this is a higher stage of political and economic integration, pragmatically looking to the future.
Continuing the theme of multi-vector policy, we should mention the 12th Minsk Forum, held in November. It tackled prospects for European interaction in the traditional spheres of politics, economy and society. Paths that meet notes the exchange of common European values and the recent appearance of global projects among European strategies. Belarus plays a vital role in counteracting illegal migration and in laying new transport and energy arteries to Europe.
November showed us that the vectors of Belarus’ foreign policy spread their sphere of influence irrespective of geographical proximity. All that is required is the desire to liaise. Belarus’ reputation as a promising partner continues to grow, as explored in Potential for Rapprochement. India and Qatar recently announced plans via their official representatives for greater interaction with Minsk.
No doubt, traffic needs to flow in both directions and progress requires continued effort. We look at the diversity of life in Belarus — in the sphere of economics and finances, education and culture, via traditions and modernity. You may find new acquaintance with the country, through the interesting pages of Belarus magazine.
