Defense ministry expecting breakthrough in relations with Africa, Asia, Latin America

January 3, Pozirk. The Belarusian defense ministry is expecting a breakthrough “in relations with the countries of the African continent, Latin America, East, South-East and South-West Asia,” Valeryj Ravienka, head of the ministry’s International Military Cooperation Department, said on X.

Last year, the defense ministry held 623 events, reaching the pre-pandemic level of activities, and is planning at least 802 events for 2024, the official noted.

Belarus chaired the Collective Security Treaty Organization, negotiated membership of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and boosted ties with China, Cuba India, Iran, Vietnam and 18 other countries, he added.

Belarus also fulfilled its obligations in the field of arms control, accredited 19 foreign military attaches from 14 countries and signed three international treaties, the official said.

Military attaches from 31 states are accredited in Minsk, eight of whom represent NATO member countries, he noted.

Belarus is “open to cooperation if it is based on an equal and respectful attitude,” Ravienka stressed.