Belarus' decision to join the Board of Peace reflects the country's principled course towards dialogue and the search for political and diplomatic solutions to international and regional conflicts
In mid-January, the White House posted a statement by US President Donald Trump on the formation of the Board of Peace. As envisaged by the American administration, the new structure will play a crucial role in the implementation of Trump's plan to resolve the conflict in the Gaza Strip. The US President invited the leaders of several states to join the Board of Peace, and President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko was among those who received a corresponding invitation and a proposal to become a founder of the new international organisation.
"It is my Great Honour to invite you, as President of the Republic of Belarus, to join me in a critically Historic and Magnificent effort to solidify Peace in the Middle East and, at the same time, to embark on a bold new approach to resolving Global Conflict!” the American leader's message read. It is known that, along with Belarus, Russia, India, Turkiye, the EU, Germany, Hungary, Brazil, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and other countries have received invitations to join the Board of Peace. On January 20th, Aleksandr Lukashenko signed a document on Belarus' accession to the Board of Peace and the implementation of the provisions of the organisation's charter.
It is obvious that the initiative to create the Board of Peace with a proposal sent to Belarus to become one of its founders reflects the crisis of existing international security mechanisms. The rules of the game that were formed after WWII have sunk into oblivion, and the entire system of international law collapsed as well. The world has entered a period of chaos and uncertainty. The Belarusian leader aptly called the current state of affairs ‘rabies’. Actually, a struggle without rules for spheres of influence can end very badly for our planet.
Everyone needs a new security architecture and, in this context, Trump's idea of creating the Peace of Board is a public demonstration of the United States' desire to be at the forefront of building a new system of international relations. With this in view, if such a global structure as the Board of Peace will contribute to the formation of a new security architecture and the peaceful settlement of all conflicts, then why not take advantage of this chance?
On the one hand, the very fact of the US President's personal address to the Belarusian leader testifies to the recognition of the role of Belarus and Aleksandr Lukashenko personally as a responsible and predictable international player capable of contributing to global security issues. On the other hand, Washington needs new footholds in the context of the weakening of the previous model of Western leadership. Belarus can assume the role of a link between various political and civilisational poles, primarily between the countries of the West and the Global South.
For many years, Belarus has been actively promoting its initiatives and proposals to strengthen international and regional security. The republic has consistently advocated building a world order in which no force dictates its will to others, and decisions are made through respectful dialogue and mutually beneficial co-operation. Therefore, official Minsk reacted positively to the proposal of the American side to participate in the work of the new international platform. However, Belarus hopes that the Board of Peace will expand its scope and powers, thereby contributing to the settlement of other international conflicts, not just in the Gaza Strip. One of such conflicts has been raging for four years near the republic’s southern borders: on the territory of Ukraine. The situation on Belarus’ border with the NATO countries is no less tense, and the Belarusian leader proceeds from the fact that any available levers of influence can and should be used to ensure security.
On the day of signing the document on Belarus' accession to the Board of Peace, Aleksandr Lukashenko told reporters what he was most attracted to in the initiative, “I'm tempted by the idea that perhaps this Board of Peace, its efforts and capabilities, will spread to other parts of the planet. First of all, perhaps we can help Ukraine in some way, discuss something and promote peace, bring it closer, influence Ukraine’s authorities. That's what appeals to me the most. Not that we will provide massive help to Gaza. I know my capabilities and the capabilities of our Belarus. I am thinking about the future [when making a decision about participation in this new organisation]. Perhaps not I, but someone else will. Perhaps they will be grateful.”
Belarus' position is based on a simple and understandable principle: any dialogue is better than war.
Minsk's decision to join the Board of Peace reinforces the republic’s principled course towards peaceful, political and diplomatic solutions to any problems.
