"Integration is not an end in itself"

The foreign policy of Belarus traditionally focuses on issues of integration in the post-Soviet space. However, in May, President Alexander Lukashenko, in an address to parliament, spoke of the need to develop cooperation not only with Russia, but also with China, India and the Gulf countries. Foreign Minister of Belarus Sergei MARTYNOV told Vremya Novostei about the priorities of Minsk's foreign policy.

— At the end of June, the EurAsEC and CSTO summits will take place in Minsk, and the CIS summit in September. Does this mean that Belarus claims to be the center of post-Soviet integration processes?

- The word “claim” is not entirely correct here. Integration processes are underway, from which all states should benefit. There are no claims by individual states to a special role in these processes. Belarus is a sincerely convinced and active supporter of integration. Let's remember recent history - the CIS was created on our soil, the headquarters of the Commonwealth is located in Minsk. This is not a random choice, it means that Belarus is important for our partners. The holding of the EurAsEC, CSTO and CIS summits in Minsk reflects the positive perception by other countries of Belarus' efforts in the field of integration.

—Which of these integration associations are a priority for Minsk?

-- It would be wrong to try to place plates with numbers of priorities in the field of integration. Life will show which of the existing formations - EurAsEC, CSTO, CIS, Common Economic Space or the Russian-Belarusian Union - are the most successful. Relations today are developing most effectively within the framework of the union of Russia and Belarus.

Integration is not an end in itself. It is necessary to improve the standard of living, ensure freedom of movement, that is, for the convenience of the citizens of our countries. We live in a complex world in the era of globalization. It is unlikely that individual states, even such influential ones as Russia, will be able to protect their interests alone. Integration is necessary to protect interests in the military-political sphere. It also allows us to ensure economic security, because competition in the world is constantly growing.

Post-Soviet integration formations have every chance not to catch up, but to actually compete with other associations - such as, for example, the European Union. We have every reason for this. I want to emphasize that we are not talking about confrontation with the EU, we can work in close cooperation. In the future, I would say that the main goal is cooperation between large integration entities.

-- What are the prospects for the development of economic and political relations within the Union of Belarus and Russia?

-- Relations must and will develop on the basis of the existing agreement on the creation of a union state. This document contains everything necessary for fruitful cooperation in the political and economic spheres. It is necessary in practice to be strictly guided by what is provided for by mutual contractual obligations. And this will lead to further success.

—What are Minsk’s plans for cooperation with the Non-Aligned Movement?

— Belarus has been a full member of the Non-Aligned Movement for eight years now, and at a recent meeting of foreign ministers in Malaysia, our country was the vice-chairman of the meeting. Minsk stands for the active participation of the movement in the transformation of the world from unipolar to multipolar, for ensuring its significant role in world processes.

-- Is it possible in the future to unite the efforts of Belarus with new centers of power to counter the influence of the United States?

— Undoubtedly, Belarus is interested in interacting with various centers of power, including new ones. This is a natural and understandable position. But talk about confrontation is also inappropriate here. Yes, we are really talking about the need to transition to a multipolar world. For this purpose, we are ready to interact with everyone, including the United States, if Washington pursues policies that promote movement towards a multipolar world and, thus, strive for a more stable and fair world order. Of course, we understand that this cannot happen quickly and easily.

Interviewed by Olga TOMASHEVSKAYA, Minsk