Revitalization of western foreign policy direction

Foreign Minister Makei visited Germany, his Deputy Krauchanka Strasbourg and a Slovak delegation visited Minsk: last week was eventful and fruitful.

Last week, Foreign Minister Makei made a three-day visit to Germany. He held talks with Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, in the Bundestag and the Federal Chancellor Office. In addition, Makei made a presentation at the German Foreign Policy Society, a respected think tank in Germany.

On October 20^th-22^nd, a Slovak delegation headed by the head of the Constitutional Committee of the National Council, Robert Madej, visited Minsk. The purpose of the visit was to exchange experience on improving legislation – civil and mediation.

On October 22^nd-23^rd, 2019, Deputy Foreign Minister Aleh Krauchanka was in Strasbourg, participating in the Council of Europe events and meeting with the CoE Secretary-General. During the meeting, the importance of Belarus’ joining the CoE legal instruments was emphasized. The Foreign Ministry’s report did not disclose whether Belarus’ accession to this international organization was discussed.

Last week, the Belarusian authorities announced the intention to sign a EUR 90 million agreement with the European Investment Bank as part of a joint energy project with the World Bank.

On the negative side, President Lukashenka sharply responded to the deployment of American military troops and equipment to Lithuania. On October 22^nd, he instructed the Security Council and the Defense Ministry to make proposals on how to respond to these actions.