Belarus to downsize diplomatic missions in countries unpromising for cooperation – Lukashenko

<p> MINSK, Apr 6 – PrimePress. Belarus will reduce and close its embassies in the countries where there are no prospects of a diplomatic presence. Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko made a statement to this effect on 6 April during a meeting to discuss the ways of the ways of streamlining Belarus’ network of foreign missions. </p> <p>   </p> <p> “It is necessary to understand that, first of all, we are a small state and we do not have limitless possibilities to finance overstaffed missions abroad. Why do we need to this after all? We do not strife for globalism, as far as the prospects are concerned. We have ordinary, practical issues to solve both in politics and economics. Secondly, the first priority should not be a claim to leadership but the protection and promotion of national interests in the economic sector. In a number of countries our long-term experience shows that there are no prospects for the Belarusian diplomatic presence there. So why do we need to maintain our embassies and spend budget funds to maintain them? Why do we need a full complement of diplomats in charge of the areas that are on pause, to put it mildly? In such cases, we should work on the basis of reciprocity, as was recently done with Poland and Lithuania,” said Lukashenko. </p> <p>   </p> <p> At the moment, Belarus’ interests abroad are represented by 70 foreign institutions in 58 countries, which account for almost 97% of exports and 76% of foreign investments. According to the head of state, the system of the diplomatic service allows to solve the set tasks in general. “The only question is how effective it is in terms of the funds spent on its maintenance and the real results in protecting our interests. Is there an opportunity to redeploy people for solving the key tasks in places where we are welcome without any ultimatums?” Lukashenko asked. </p> <p>   </p> <p> Lukashenko noted that, as a last resort, all the issues of interest can be discussed at the UN, other international organizations in New York, Geneva or Vienna. “There is an opportunity to talk to the whole world there and there is no need to keep political advisers in the countries that have frozen contacts with us due to their prejudices or conduct destructive activities against us,” he said. </p> <p>   </p> <p> In his words, Belarus has well-functioning commodity distribution networks in a number of countries. In this regard, he questioned whether there is a need to duplicate them with their trade representatives in the embassies. "Isn't it more efficient to redeploy these staff units where they will be really needed for the solution of urgent tasks?" said Lukashenko. </p> <p>   </p> <p> “I will repeat my main condition - to open new institutions abroad only at the expense of competent redistribution of the available resources. There should be no overstaffing,” he said. </p> <p>   </p> <p> In his words, the government, together with the Belarus President’s Administration, the KGB and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, worked on these issues in detail. “When discussing them, it is important to take into account, first of all, the economic aspect of the functioning of our embassies and consulates. We have to consider every proposal very carefully based on our experience and practice. I want us to consider in detail today the reasons for opening new embassies, the specialists who will work there, and how much it will cost for the state. I just want to warn you that everyone present here will be personally responsible for the proposals made today,” said Lukashenko. End </p>

2021-04-07

Primepress