Ryzhenkov on regional energy security: Belarus and Russia developing infrastructure, while Lithuania and Latvia breaking chains
Belarus' western neighbours are destroying the energy security infrastructure in the region – as stated by Belarusian Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov in his talk with reporters in Baku
The 29th UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) is being held in Baku on November 11th-22nd, 2024 and its Azerbaijani chairmanship has put forward a number of initiatives covering topics such as the link between climate action and the SDGs, green energy corridors and storage facilities, harmony for climate sustainability, clean hydrogen, methane reduction in organic waste, green digital activities, and others. In addition, the Climate Finance Action Fund is planned to be created. As stated, the problems of small island states, which are most affected by the negative effects of the climate change, need to receive special attention.
Mr. Ryzhenkov emphasised, “We have joined all [initiatives], because they are all in line with what the Republic of Belarus is engaged into today, with what is specified in our main documents. All these approaches are in tune with us, so we do not hesitate to support our Azerbaijani friends.”
As stated by the Foreign Minister, this will primarily include the intensification of work dealing with the creation of efficient energy storage facilities and the development of infrastructure for the electricity transmission between the countries. “In this regard, Belarus is developing the appropriate infrastructure on its territory, it is building [the necessary facilities] together with Russia. In turn, our neighbours – Lithuania and Latvia – are breaking these chains. I do not know how this fits into the declarative documents, which the Baltic States will also probably sign,” he added.
Mr. Ryzhenkov recalled that Lithuania and Latvia had made a decision to withdraw from the unified electric power system of Belarus, Russia, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania (BRELL), and this move does not fit in with the principles of ensuring energy security by creating reliable and multifunctional regional chains.
In addition, urban green development is another relevant topic. As noted by the Foreign Minister, electricity consumption is growing in Belarus, and the number of public electric vehicles is increasing countrywide. The cities of Shklov and Zhodino are a bright example of this trend, while Polotsk and Novopolotsk are close to follow them.
At the same time, Mr. Ryzhenkov noted that Belarus is moving towards green economy in many issues of the current climate agenda, without looking back at anyone, while sometimes doing this ‘faster, better and more confident than other countries’.
