Belarus in favor of open dialogue to ease tensions in Europe

An open dialogue is the key to reducing tensions on the European continent, Belarus’ Permanent Representative to the OSCE Alena Kupchyna noted at the OSCE Permanent Council’s first meeting chaired by Italy, BelTA quotes the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

An open transparent inclusive dialogue plays a key role in reducing tensions and preventing armed conflicts in Europe, Alena Kupchyna said. She reaffirmed Belarus’ commitment to active participation in the fight against transnational challenges and threats, in particular by hosting an OSCE counter-terrorism conference with a focus on cyberspace in Minsk.

The Belarusian diplomat also spoke out for strengthening economic ties and expanding contacts between various integration associations within the OSCE framework. In her words, Belarus is ready to promote digital economy-related matters on the OSCE agenda and share experience, taking into account the digital economy development ordinance signed by the Belarus president in December 2017.

In the context of Italy’s intention to revive the "spirit of Helsinki" during its OSCE chairmanship, Alena Kupchyna called on the OSCE member states, executive structures, and institutions to cooperate with Belarus to put into practice the country’s initiatives on launching a new Helsinki process.

The OSCE Permanent Council held the first meeting chaired by Italy in Vienna on 11 January. During the session, Italy mapped out the program of its OSCE chairmanship in 2018. The meeting drew together representatives of the OSCE member states, OSCE Secretary General Thomas Greminger, heads of the OSCE’s executive structures and institutions.