Volfovich: changes introduced to draft National Security Concept rely on dialogue platforms’ results

All proposals voiced during dialogue platforms on the topic of the draft new National Security Concept were taken into account and analyse, with some of them already being reflected in the document, State Secretary of Belarus’ Security Council Aleksandr Volfovich told reporters before his meeting with representatives of Belarusian political parties and public associations. During the event, those in attendance discussed the draft updated National Security Concept.

“As part of the implementation of the Head of State’s instructions, the State Secretariat of the Security Council has been working throughout the year to discuss the draft new National Security Concept’s main provisions at dialogue platforms. This work has already become systematic, with over 70 discussion forums held, bringing together labour teams of enterprises, government agencies, and students of higher and secondary educational institutions. The document was also discussed with the leaders of our religious denominations and associations,” noted the State Secretary of the Security Council.

According to him, such a discussion arouses keen interest, which contributes to feedback, “We present the draft’s main provisions, talk about the international situation, the main changes in the geopolitical situation, which is really very difficult in the world today, talk about trends in its changes, modern challenges and threats that affect national security. We touch upon our country’s national interests and directly discuss the draft National Security Concept. We explain why it is necessary to make adjustments to this document today.”

At the same time, according to Aleksandr Volfovich, the current National Security Concept – which is over a decade old – has not lost its significance today, “We did not cross out what was included in the current concept, but took an evolutionary path, working through each chapter, making adjustments to the basic concepts, clarifying the trends in the international situation and the various categories and indicators of national security associated with it. A new area of biological safety has emerged, arousing a keen interest and response from citizens who participate in the discussion of these provisions. People express their wishes and vision of certain provisions, while raising issues related to peace and security.”

As part of the feedback, a number of additions have already been made to the draft.

“Concepts related to family values have been expanded, with more attention paid to additional protection of the institution of the traditional family. A proposal was also made to increase the role of social responsibility of business. The list of elements of national security systems has been clarified. There are also other provisions. This is all being analysed as part of the discussion,” summed up the State Secretary of the Security Council.