Belarus’ FM on ambivalent position of some partners in integration structures
Answering questions from a journalist of the First News Channel following the results of the CIS summit in Tajikistan, Belarus’ Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov commented on the ambivalent position of some partners in integration structures, BelTA reports
The Foreign Minister was asked to comment on the behaviour of some partners in integration structures who do not completely cease their participation, but, for example, suspend it, while continuing to use some channels of communication and co-operation. Mr. Ryzhenkov confirmed that this pattern of behaviour is indeed used by some countries, and this mainly refers to their use of opportunities within the framework of agreements and other documents related to economic co-operation. "Some states are willing to maintain channels of interaction through customs, border services, and transport communications today. Naturally, they are interested in everything that deals with the economy," he said. “In the countries, that have already set out or are about to take the path of a hypothetical accession to the European Union (it’s a kind of fetish that will never come true for them), they are naturally being forced to withdraw from the relevant co-operation mechanisms within the CIS."
According to Mr. Ryzhenkov, there are similar examples in the CSTO as well. "We also have a partner who has not been actively involved in the CSTO activities lately, because it is being forced to meet certain conditions. In turn, it remains, of course, in parts which are beneficial for it,” he said.
Belarus consistently advocates for maintaining rather than destroying integration co-operation, especially on the economic track. It is against yielding to various threats or promises from outside, but calls for joint work to enhance the economies.
This is exactly what President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasised in his speech at the Dushanbe summit. "Let's not lose what generations of our people have generated. Let's see partners first and foremost in each other, and maximise our interaction without any closed topics," the Belarusian leader urged.
The President recalled his thesis that the economy is the key point. "One way or another, we once again face the issue of our joint economic activity within the framework of [the former] Soviet Union, the common market. We are not talking about a return to the order that was in the Soviet Union, but we had a huge common market then. Maybe we should put aside all kinds of incomprehensible reasoning and finally address economic issues, taking into account what each of us needs?" the Head of State suggested.
"Many, if not all, modern conflicts are based on the economy and competition. In order to stand ground in this struggle, ensure sustainable development and improve the well-being of all our countries, we need to strengthen the economic foundation and deepen trade, investment, and industrial co-operation," Aleksandr Lukashenko is convinced.
