MFA: Belarus may soon start discussing visa-free entry to Schengen zone for its nationals

Belarus may soon start discussing visa-free entry to the countries of the Schengen zone for Belarusians, Belarus Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Oleg Kravchenko said as he answered questions from members of the Council of the Republic on 2 April, BelTA has learned.

MPs were interested in the prospects of Belarus-EU relations. “The agenda includes the negotiations on a partnership and cooperation agreement and the completion of talks on Belarus' accession to the WTO. In the medium term, we may start discussing visa-free entry to the Schengen countries for Belarusians,” the deputy minister said.

In his words, Belarus has greatly simplified travel conditions for European countries. “It was our unilateral decision. It does not mean there is a need for a reciprocal move. Today we are talking about the Schengen visa simplification, and in the future we will be talking about its abolition,” said Oleg Kravchenko. According to him, the matter pertains to short-term Schengen visas, not the abolition of requirements for working visas in the EU countries.

“We do not seek EU membership. We do not ask for a so-called European perspective. Our interest is the cooperation of responsible neighbors who do not create problems for each other but help when it is necessary,” the deputy minister said. Belarus stands for deeper systemic contacts and ties between the EAEU and the EU, as well as between the CSTO and NATO. “It is necessary for sustainable development of our region and minimization of conflict potential,” said Oleg Kravchenko. Belarus, as the country presiding over the EAEU this year, will contribute to such a dialogue, Oleg Kravchenko added.

Things that traditionally viewed as new challenges and threats in international relations are illegal migration, international organized crime, terrorism and drug trafficking. Now this list includes the coronavirus pandemic. The deputy minister emphasized the obvious manifestations of a new solidarity between Belarus and a number of countries in helping people stranded abroad due to closed borders and canceled air flights to return home. “The United States and the UK thanked Belarus, especially Belavia, for helping their citizens to return home. We sincerely thanked the UK for the return of Belarusians from Brazil through London. These are vivid examples of the fact that during the difficult times we are able to stand above differences,” said the deputy minister.

On 2 April, the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus ratified the visa facilitation agreement and the agreement on readmission of individuals staying without an authorization with the European Union.