What should the new security architecture be like?

Belarus has always advocated and continues to stand for a geopolitical framework based on equality, mutual respect, and the establishment of dialogue. Today, this approach is shared by many countries around the world — this was stated by participants at the 2nd Minsk International Conference on Eurasian Security.

2nd Minsk International Conference on Eurasian Security

Serbian Deputy PM: absolute lack of international law is the biggest problem in current conditions

Serbia’s Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vulin stressed that it is not the problems of the economy and climate change that are the most urgent at the moment, “Despite the aggression from NATO, Serbia has survived. We have been through a lot. Yet, international law did not survive, and this is a big problem of our generation and civilisation. Lack of shame is the biggest problem of our civilisation. Western civilisation is not ashamed of anything. They are not ashamed to lie. They are not ashamed to expand NATO to the east. Now we would have no problems and would live in peace, but NATO plans to expand eastwards. They are not ashamed to lie as if they will keep their word. They are not ashamed to violate the Minsk Agreements. They are not ashamed of their own lies.”
The Deputy PM of Serbia drew attention to the fact that geographically Belarus and Serbia are located in Europe, “As European countries, in the value system of the collective West, we believe in God. We believe in the sovereignty of the soul, in traditional families. These are our values. In contrast, the so-called collective West does not believe in this and does not recognise our right. When talking about Eurasian security, it is impossible to think exclusively about the countries and governments that are geographically located on this continent. We need to think about humanity, which supports values similar to ours. The whole world must show strength and responsibility to reach a new agreement. There will be no future without this new agreement, without a new system of values that will concern each of us.”
According to Aleksandar Vulin, it was a pleasure for him to have the opportunity to attend the BRICS Summit in Kazan. He added that the forum showed the fallacy of the policy of isolating Russia and the fear of China, as well as the fallacy of the policy of depriving Serbia of the opportunity to choose its own path of development.

Hungarian Foreign Minister: powerful forces working now to create hegemony of opinions

Powerful forces are working today to create a hegemony of opinions — as noted by Hungary’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó. “Almost a year ago, I had the honour to be here, and unfortunately, the world has become even more dangerous during this year,” Mr. Szijjártó said. “It would not be an exaggeration to say that the end of WWII and the present moment are comparable dangers, if not more. In Hungary, we feel great anxiety about the threats and development of current conflicts. To stop this process, it is necessary to communicate; that is why it is an honour for me to be here and briefly tell you what opinion we hold about this problem.” 
The Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade stressed that today, powerful forces are working to create a hegemony of opinion, “If you do not follow the mainstream opinion 100 percent, then your right to voice your own opinion is instantly challenged and questioned. If you are not 100 percent ready to meet the general requirements, you are immediately attacked and blamed. This clearly shows the low standard of political debate in Europe today.”
If we do not go back to the principles of dialogue and mutual respect, Europe is going to be less safe and lose its future growth potential, as noted by Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó on the sidelines of the 2nd Minsk International Conference on Eurasian Security. “I believe, the key and most important word today is ‘sovereignty’”, emphasised the Hungarian FM. “We, Hungarians, maintain our sovereignty, but there are certain forces that would like us to relinquish some of it. For us, sovereignty means that we do not kowtow to third parties, and always mind our own interests. We look at the world from our own point of view, and do not expect others to look at it from our point of view.”
At the same time, Mr. Szijjártó pointed out that lack of dialogue in the EU made that space far less safe or competitive. “If we do not go back to the principles of dialogue and mutual respect, Europe is going to be less safe and lose its future growth potential,” he added.

Swiss expert: dialogue in Minsk enables us to build relations and bridges between countries

Guy Mettan, the founder of the Geneva Institute for Multipolarity (GIM) based in Switzerland, noted the double-edged nature of illegal economic restrictions, “Security issues directly affect the economies of countries. Sanctions affect both the targeted country and the sanctioning country. This also applies to European countries, particularly Germany, where the economy is in decline due to sanctions.”
Assessing the Minsk negotiation platform, Mr. Mettan stressed, “Belarus is the fifth country in the world in terms of the number of sanctions imposed on it. Russia is in the first place. The fact that the dialogue is taking place here — on the Minsk platform — is very important, because it enables us to build relations and bridges between countries.”

Bulgarian expert: Eurasian Security Conference focuses on preserving world order

The Bulgarian people has a strong bond with the peoples of Belarus and Russia, as pointed out by Tamas Szekeres, the international co-ordinator from Bulgaria’s Vazrazhdane (Revival) Party. “Bulgaria is a Slavic Orthodox country. At the same time, Bulgaria is the ancestral home of the Slavic writing and culture. Unfortunately, the leading Bulgarian politicians are now actively collaborating with the West, but the Bulgarian people is always with its Belarusian and Russian brothers. There are some very important geopolitical reasons for that. The risk of the third world war is growing constantly. We hope it does not come to pass. We need to remember that — although Bulgaria is a NATO country — no one asked Bulgarians if they approve of such an alliance. Right now, it is vital for Bulgaria to act in defence of a fairer world, and that is why we have come to Minsk to take part in this conference. It is a very important forum. I am glad I accepted your invitation,” Mr. Szekeres said. “The Conference on Eurasian Security is a significant forum focused on preserving the world order. It aims to preserve the world where there are no wars. That is why it is crucial to join our efforts so as to maintain peace. We feel the advent of the new world where everyone is equal and respectful of one another. We support the multipolar world,” added the Bulgarian politician.

Syrian Foreign Minister: we appreciate endeavours to create security system based on principles of equality

Eurasia is not only a geographical and political term, but a space where a new system of world order can be created — as noted by Syria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Bassam Sabbagh. “Minsk is a capital that denies hegemony and defends international co-operation and regional integration. My presence reflects our desire to discuss issues related to global and regional security, our belief in the need for comprehensive dialogue and open discussions. Eurasia is not just a geographical or political term, but a space where a new system of world order can be created — the one that developing countries aspire to,” Bassam Sabbagh said.
The Syrian official also drew attention to the need to create structures based on co-operation and collective solidarity that will be able to confront the challenges of the modern world. This includes, in particular, the fight against attempts to destabilise the situation and interfere in the internal affairs faced by the countries of the Eurasian region. “My country has been suffering from a terrorist war for a long time, with terrorist elements threatening to destroy its security and stability. Syria appreciates the endeavours of those countries that want to establish a new security system based on the principles of equality and the collective struggle against threats and dangers. In this situation, there will be no place for hegemony and the creation of artificial tests that have dire consequences,” Bassam Sabbagh added.

Based on materials of sb.by and belta.by

Photos by Aleksandr Kulevsky