At the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Belarus has called for a rejection of confrontation and a return to the logic of mutual economic benefit. The statement was made by Sergei Rachkov, Chairman of the Standing Commission on International Affairs of the House of Representatives and head of Belarus’ National Assembly delegation to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, at the session “Strengthening Rule-Based Global Trade: Safeguarding Fairness, Connectivity, and Sustainable Growth” during the 23rd OSCE PA Autumn Meeting, BelTA has learned.
The Belarusian representative expressed his conviction that trade should unite, not divide. “Today, the economic space of the OSCE and the entire Eurasian region is increasingly divided by political barriers, rather than united by economic ties. Instead of free and fair trade, we are witnessing a rise in protectionism, unilateral pressure, and sanctions,” he said.
The MP stated that Belarus considers the imposed unilateral restrictive economic measures, which violate the principles of international law and the UN Charter, to be unacceptable and illegal. “These sanctions not only harm our country's economy but also undermine the foundations of trust and mutual benefit upon which the OSCE was built. Such measures impede progress toward sustainable development goals, specifically by blocking fair access to markets, technologies, and investments,” Sergei Rachkov said.
The chairman of the Standing Commission on International Affairs also noted that climate and environmental policies should not be held hostage to sanction wars. “We are convinced that only through the equal use of transport and energy corridors can trust and economic cooperation be restored in the space from Lisbon to Vladivostok,” he said.
The MP remarked that Belarus has never closed its border checkpoints for the movement of goods, cargo, and people. It is not Belarus' practice to use borders for political purposes, as is the case with its western neighbors. “We are actively working within the EAEU and other integration formats, promoting the idea of open and secure economic interaction without barriers. Trade should be comprehensive and fair, not an instrument for some states to pressure others. The principle of equal opportunities for all participants in the world economy is a key element of truly sustainable growth,” he added.
The Belarusian representative called on partners to abandon confrontation and return to the logic of mutual economic benefit. “It is time to renounce unilateral measures and restore trust as the main capital of international relations. Belarus is ready to be a bridge - between East and West, between economy and ecology, between politics and common sense,” Sergei Rachkov concluded.
