Why does Belarus need ASEAN? We will tell you why it is important

We are among the participants of the ASEAN General Assembly, its parliamentary dimension. And even though Belarus is an observer, this does not prevent us from talking about equality, rapprochement and peacefulness.

Equality and consideration of everyone's interests, not economic dictate and sanctions to please the powers that be. Belarus has always followed a creative agenda, building an international dialogue. Our unchanging position is openness to the world and recognition of everyone's right to follow their own path. We broadcast our position at various international venues. At the ASEAN General Assembly in Laos, where parliamentarians of one of the largest integrations in Southeast Asia met in Belarus has observer status. This makes it possible to develop inter-parliamentary contacts with all ASEAN countries, to promote interests in various areas of cooperation.

7.5 thousand km - the way, as they say, is not close. But Minsk and Vientiane (the capital of Laos) are not afraid of this. Our political and diplomatic friendship has been going on for three decades. But what is more important? This is one picture of the world and unity of views on many world events, no matter how stormy it is on different continents.

Political closeness brings Belarus to ASEAN - the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, to develop and cooperate for the benefit of all participating countries.

I. Sergeenko: There should be no place for dictatorship in international relations

For Belarus, the General Assembly is a platform for dialogue. Our interest in the distant arc, including in the Asian direction, is only growing. These are humanitarian ties, and economic projects, and work to strengthen the political foundation. We need to cooperate without looking back at borders and distances - our general line. Another thing is that there are countless artificial barriers today. Illegal unilateral restrictions violate the global economic balance. Belarus says this from the high rostrum of the General Assembly.

Igor Sergeenko, Chairman of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus:

Belarus is open to equal dialogue and mutually beneficial pragmatic relations with all ASEAN countries, our speaker emphasized. Closer ties are also needed between integrations, the Eurasian economic and Southeast Asian. Free trade zones (for now this is only Vietnam and Singapore, but this is the beginning) support in the large-scale economic work in the region.

I. Sergienko held a meeting with the Prime Minister of Laos E. P. Sonsai Siphandon

The ASEAN General Assembly is also an opportunity for negotiations on a bilateral track. On the Belarus-Laos line, our delegation is being received by the Prime Minister. Laos, of course, is not an example of exemplary mutual trade and cooperation. Belarus is confident that we can fix this, for a start by restoring educational projects, active student exchange. As it was during the Soviet era. If we speak the same language (and Russian is again gaining popularity in Laos), the economy will catch up.

I. Sergienko held a meeting with the Chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam

Another vector is Vietnam. Strategic for our country, the Belarusian side will emphasize at the meeting with the head of the National Assembly of Vietnam. And will offer at least a direct flight program at the start. And then it will be possible to negotiate supplies. The agricultural theme is one of the top areas. However, as the ambassador says, there are also cooperation projects. For example, a joint one with the Minsk Tractor Plant.