President Alexander Lukashenko: Belarus should fully assert itself in world arena

11 июля 2017

Speaking at today’s meeting on the country's foreign policy priorities, President Alexander Lukashenko stressed that Belarus should fully assert itself in the world arena. The large-scale conversation in the Palace of Independence featured about 250 people, including practically all Belarusian ambassadors representing the country’s interests abroad — Belarusian diplomatic missions currently operate in 59 countries.

According to the President, the main criterion for foreign policy success in general and Foreign Ministry success in particular is building up and diversifying exports. This year, the exports of domestically-produced goods abroad have increased by 20%, or about 2 billion dollars. It is important to develop a new strategy based on improving export quality structure. In addition, significant economic dividends can be received due to high level of dialogue established with many of the world's largest countries. At the same time, Russia remains Belarus’ main trade and economic partner.

The President stressed the importance of promoting the Belarusian idea of cooperation between various integration associations, without missing the Chinese component. This initiative is useful for Belarus, Russia, as well as for western ad eastern countries. Belarus’ multivector policy resulted in a new perception of the country in the world as an independent, peace-loving state, a sort of security donor in the region.