Makei’s passing ends Belarus’ balancing act between Russia and West – pundit

November 27, BPN. The sudden death of Belarusian Foreign Minister Uładzimir Makiej is “very symbolic,” as it marks the end of “an entire era in the Belarusian foreign policy,” political analyst Valer Karbalevič told BPN.

Belarus’ balancing act between Russia and the West is over with his death, he noted. 

Karbalevič described Makiej as a “heavyweight” because he had been always loyal to Alaksandr Łukašenka who trusted him. 

Russian chauvinistic media accused Makiej of being pro-Western, while the latter “was simply carrying out Łukašenka’s instructions to thaw relations with the West,” political analyst noted. 

It is remarkable that Makiej managed to stay in office after the 2020 presidential election when the role of foreign ministry diminished, Karbalevič concluded.  

Makiej died on November 26 aged 64. The cause of death has not been disclosed. His funeral is scheduled for November 29.