Miory Regional Executive Committee
The working schedule of the President of Belarus is always very eventful. Alexander Lukashenko holds meetings and working sessions on the most pressing issues of the country's development, regularly visits regions, makes foreign visits and receives foreign guests himself, communicates with journalists, signs decrees and laws… And even when there are no public events, it does not mean that the head of state is not working. However, even during his leisure time, whether it's a hockey practice or chopping wood, Alexander Lukashenko always finds an occasion for another assignment. As he likes to say, one must always proceed from life.
The "President's Week" project is for those who want to keep up with the head of state, stay informed about the most relevant statements and decisions of the Belarusian leader.
How the situation is developing in the CSTO in the year of Belarus's presidency, what issues were discussed at the summit in Minsk, and what Lukashenko called on partners to do.
What Belarus is ready for in cooperation with Tajikistan, what Lukashenko discussed behind closed doors with the President of Kyrgyzstan, and how he had a one-on-one conversation with Putin in an "Aurus" car.
And also about personnel appointments in the diplomatic corps and the tasks that the head of state sets for the new ambassadors. All this and more in the new issue of the special BELTA project "President's Week".
COLLECTIVE SECURITY. How the CSTO summit was held in Minsk, and whom Lukashenko met on the eve
The session of the CSTO Collective Security Council, which took place in Minsk on November 23, was the main official event of the year of Belarus's presidency in the Organization under the motto "Through Solidarity and Cooperation - to Peace and Security".
CSTO COUNTRIES LEADERS SIGNED A PACKAGE OF DOCUMENTS FOLLOWING THE MINSK SUMMIT
These events are largely conclusive and reporting in nature. The general conclusion is that Belarus, despite the increasingly complex geopolitical situation, has successfully coped with its tasks. "Belarus's presidency is assessed positively. The heads of state gave a high assessment. Minsk took a very active position, and the Organization managed to achieve a great deal this year. And it was a difficult year," said CSTO Secretary General Imangali Tasmagambetov to journalists.
The heads of state summed up what was done not only collectively but also individually, on a bilateral basis. "On the bilateral and trilateral tracks, and other tracks, we prioritized military-political issues because that is how the situation is developing today, the situation in our zone of responsibility," said Alexander Lukashenko at the summit. "Therefore, while considering economic issues (which are the basis, the foundation of any military and political situation), we talked about issues related to our activities in the CSTO."
"Our work in the CSTO did not begin and end here, in Minsk. It is a huge range of problems that we consider throughout the year. And today, having met, we have assessed and summed up the results of this year," the President emphasized.
As is known, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan was absent from the summit, having decided not to travel to Minsk for a number of reasons. This became known last week. However, this decision will not affect the legitimacy of the adopted decisions (they are adopted by consensus in the CSTO), Belarusian Foreign Minister Sergei Aleinik assured journalists. In this regard, it was agreed in advance that after the summit, all documents should be submitted to the Armenian side for approval in the established manner.
"Not a single decision has been blocked. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus has coordinated all decisions (documents submitted to the summit with the participation of heads of state. - Editorial note of BELTA), the declaration, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia. This also speaks of mutual understanding, including from the Armenian side, in resolving issues that are currently entrusted to the Organization," the State Secretary of the Security Council of Belarus, Alexander Volfovich, told BELTA.
At the plenary session of the summit, Alexander Lukashenko noted that the parties discussed, among other things, the situation in the Caucasus and "some dissatisfaction of one of the members of the Collective Security Council." "We came to the common conclusion that problematic issues have always been and will be. If we intend to solve them, then they must be solved at the negotiating table, not by making demarches without specific reasons," he said.
LUKASHENKO: PROBLEMATIC ISSUES SHOULD BE RESOLVED AT THE NEGOTIATING TABLE, NOT BY MAKING DEMARCHES
On meetings with the CSTO Secretary General and military officials
Throughout the week, several events in the presidential schedule were dedicated to preparing for the summit and receiving high-level guests. On Monday, November 20, Alexander Lukashenko met with the Secretary General of the CSTO.
Various nuances were discussed on the eve of the event, but at the same time, Alexander Lukashenko made an important foreign policy statement characterizing the processes occurring in the Organization's area of responsibility. Thus, the President positively assessed the resolution of the long-standing border conflict between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, as well as the cessation of confrontation between Armenia and Azerbaijan. "We need to think about the future – how to arrange the life of these two states there," emphasized the Belarusian leader.
"It is clear that in both cases, problems have been accumulating for more than one, two, three, or five years. These are long-standing pain points. But positive developments have emerged in this regard. This is not because we presided (over the CSTO in the current intersessional period. – Approx. ed.). But these good steps, this moment, this movement, this trend towards calming the situation in the post-Soviet space, occurred during this period," stated the head of state.
The next day, November 21, Alexander Lukashenko convened security officials to discuss military-political issues. The following officials were invited to report to the head of state: State Secretary of the Security Council Alexander Wolfovich, Chairman of the State Security Committee Ivan Tertel, Minister of Defense Viktor Khrenin, and Head of the Main Intelligence Directorate – Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces Vladimir Kupriyanuk.
LUKASHENKO DISCUSSES MILITARY-POLITICAL ISSUES WITH SECURITY OFFICIALS ON THE EVE OF THE CSTO SUMMIT
"I would like to consult on a number of military-political issues, and above all, defense-related issues, in the security sphere, and to hear about the problematic issues that we may have today in our relations with the CSTO member states," the President said at the beginning of the event. No other details of the report were disclosed, but this is understandable – such specific topics often require confidentiality.
About "No-Tie" Negotiations
High-ranking guests began arriving in Minsk on November 22. In the afternoon, the flagships of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan landed at Minsk National Airport.
The President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon arrived in Belarus to participate in the session of the Collective Security Council (CSC) of the CSTO.
The President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov arrived in Belarus to participate in the session of the Collective Security Council (CSC) of the CSTO.
In the evening, Alexander Lukashenko met with his colleagues one by one at the Palace of Independence in a "no-tie" format.
"We welcome you as a friend. You are very close to the Belarusian people, you are very well known. You are respected for your openness, simplicity, sincerity, just like the entire Tajik people," said the Belarusian leader at a meeting with the President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon.
LUKASHENKO HOLDS MEETING WITH PRESIDENT OF TAJIKISTAN RAKHMON
The head of the Belarusian state noted the development of Tajikistan's economy, despite the complex situation around the country. As for bilateral relations, there is a good trade turnover in the portfolio of cooperation, which is currently tending to grow. "We will reach a trade turnover of under $100 million. But I want you to understand: we are ready to buy your products, especially agricultural ones (which we unfortunately do not have), in any volumes. In this regard, Tajikistan has asked us to create a powerful trading center here. You should know that we will do everything to ensure it is here. We have offered your initiators three locations in Minsk. If they are not suitable, we will find another plot. We are ready to work with you in this regard," said Alexander Lukashenko.
"All your products that you produce – aluminum, cotton, and so on – will be in very high demand here if you can supply them to us. In short, both the economy, politics, and the humanitarian sphere are developing well for us. And in the military-technical sphere, we are also working well. We are ready to increase the trade turnover to the extent necessary for friendly Tajikistan," added the President of Belarus.
At the beginning of the meeting, the President of Tajikistan thanked the head of the Belarusian state for the invitation and warm welcome: "I would like to note the successful presidency of the Belarusian side in the CSTO. We are very grateful to you for your efforts during the presidency in this organization. We have done a lot together."
Alexander Lukashenko also met with President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov in an informal setting. The conversation was held behind closed doors, but it is known that among the topics discussed were the upcoming CSTO summit, as well as some aspects of the development of bilateral relations.
LUKASHENKO HOLDS MEETING WITH PRESIDENT OF KYRGYZSTAN SADYR JAPAROV
Key statements by Lukashenko at the summit
The session of the Collective Security Council was chaired by Alexander Lukashenko, first in a narrow, and then in an expanded format during a plenary meeting. He emphasized that the CSTO remains an integral element of ensuring the security of its member states and the Eurasian region as a whole.
LUKASHENKO: CSTO REMAINS AN INTEGRAL ELEMENT OF EURASIAN REGION SECURITY
During the meeting in a narrow format, the presidents discussed pressing issues of international and regional security, summed up the results of the CSTO's activities in the intersessional period, and also heard information from the CSTO Secretary General. All members of the Collective Security Council noted that the current international situation is characterized by a high degree of confrontation and polarization, requiring further consolidation of efforts and strengthening of the Organization.
Alexander Lukashenko elaborated on the key overarching problems that affect everyone and are closely interconnected:
- "Whirlwind of epochal change" - a gradual transition to multipolarity is occurring. But the West does not want to cede its positions and is trying to subjugate the whole world. "All known dirty methods are being used: from sanctions and blackmail to inciting interethnic conflicts," the head of state noted. "Against the backdrop of odious militant rhetoric from certain politicians and a complete loss of mutual trust, a targeted escalation of the spiral of a new arms race is underway";
LUKASHENKO: THE WEST IS INCREASINGLY TRYING TO SUBJUGATE THE ENTIRE WORLD
- Arming Ukraine, which ends up on black markets, the conflict in the Middle East, the West's double standards... All these are factors of instability in themselves. But the President of Belarus emphasizes the main point: "What is more concerning is the global premonition of catastrophe that has gripped the world, the feeling that the spark of a regional conflict could ignite the flames of a new world war. This is often and widely discussed, and across the ocean, they are just waiting for countries close to the CSTO's zone of responsibility to be drawn into it. This so-called controlled chaos, this murky situation – this is what the United States and the West desire";
LUKASHENKO: THE SPARK OF THE CONFLICT IN THE MIDDLE EAST COULD IGNITE THE FLAMES OF A NEW WORLD WAR
- A number of NATO countries, including Belarus's neighbors, are heavily arming themselves. The Alliance itself is expanding, conducting maneuvers, including practicing scenarios for a nuclear strike. Millions of dollars are being poured into preparing failed coups. "Against this backdrop, accusations about the deployment of Russian tactical nuclear weapons in our country, on our territory, are simply absurd. We, I will repeat for the hundredth time, are not threatening anyone. We are simply learning the so-called diplomatic etiquette from those who have made the language of force a global trend. These are the realities of today - only the possession of powerful weapons guarantees security in the region and gives the right to speak on the international stage," emphasized Alexander Lukashenko.
- The head of state once again called on partners for unity and to resolve all problematic issues together: "The fact that some of our partners are in turmoil, both in public statements and in provocative actions, is primarily their problem. I will say one thing: if there are claims, they must be voiced, looking each other in the eye, not by talking through leaks to the media. This is why we are gathering in such a composition - to discuss all pressing issues and find solutions."
LUKASHENKO STATED THAT THE CSTO NEEDS TO BE STRONGER AND MORE COHESIVE
On Decisions Made
Following the summit in Minsk, 15 documents were submitted for signing. A declaration of the CSTO Collective Security Council was adopted, designed to emphasize the fundamental principles of the Organization's activities. The document expresses the CSTO's position on current international security issues.
A decision was also made on measures to develop the CSTO crisis response system. The provision on the procedure for the CSTO's response to crisis situations and on the procedure for adopting and implementing collective decisions on the use of forces and means of the CSTO collective security system has been approved in a new version.
Another decision of the CSTO Council of Collective Security approved the provision on the joint press center of the CSTO.
Decisions on a number of personnel issues were signed. Thus, Russian representative Colonel-General Andrey Serdyukov was appointed Head of the CSTO Joint Staff. A decision was also made on the distribution of quota positions in the Organization for the next three-year period.
In order to increase the effectiveness of the Organization's working bodies in solving current and newly assigned tasks, changes have been made to the structure of the Joint Staff.
The heads of state also considered issues related to strengthening and developing the CSTO's military cooperation and the Organization's budget.
It was decided that the chairmanship in the CSTO will pass from Belarus to Kazakhstan from January 1, 2024. At an expanded meeting of the summit, the President of Kazakhstan presented information on the priorities during the Kazakh chairmanship. The next session of the CSTO Council of Collective Security will be held in the fourth quarter of 2024 in Astana.
As for the nearest meeting of the leaders of the countries, it is expected to take place in December in St. Petersburg, where Russian President Vladimir Putin invited his colleagues. The meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council and an informal CIS summit will be held there. There is hope that the Armenian delegation will also take part in these events.
About the meeting with Putin
On the sidelines of the summit, Alexander Lukashenko had a one-on-one meeting with Vladimir Putin.
First, the general and current agenda was discussed at the Palace of Independence, and then the conversation about affairs continued in the car. By the way, the leaders chose the Russian Aurus car for their joint trip. Alexander Lukashenko saw off the Russian colleague at the airport.
As later told to journalists by the Press Secretary of the President of Russia, Dmitry Peskov, the heads of state had a full-fledged bilateral conversation on the way to the airport.
ADDITIONS TO THE DIPLOMATIC CORPS. To which countries will new ambassadors go, and how did the President instruct them
On November 20, Alexander Lukashenko considered personnel issues and appointed ambassadors to China, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Serbia, and Indonesia, reports BELTA.
LUKASHENKO APPOINTS AMBASSADORS TO CHINA, ZIMBABWE, SOUTH AFRICA, SERBIA, AND INDONESIA
Alexander Chervyakov, who served as Minister of Economy, has been appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to the People's Republic of China.
Igor Marshalov, who held the post of Deputy Chairman of the State Control Committee - Director of the Department of Financial Investigations, has been appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to the Republic of Zimbabwe.
Igor Bely has been appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to the Republic of South Africa and concurrently to the Republic of Botswana, the Republic of Mozambique, and the Republic of Namibia. Until now, he worked as the Head of the Main Department of Asia, Africa, and Latin America of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Sergey Malinovskiy, who headed the Main Information and Analytical Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will go to work as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to the Republic of Serbia and concurrently to the Republic of North Macedonia.
Roman Romanovsky has been appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to the Republic of Indonesia and concurrently to Malaysia, the Republic of Singapore, and the Republic of the Philippines. Prior to his appointment to this position, he served as Deputy Head of the Main Department - Head of the Department of Pan-European Cooperation of the Main Department of Europe and North America of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The President also gave his consent to the appointment of Alexander Matsukov as Consul General of the Republic of Belarus in Mumbai (Republic of India), who until now served as Head of the Department for Citizenship and Exit Abroad of the Main Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
On Cooperation with China and Zimbabwe
Despite the fact that all personnel decisions of this day were related to diplomatic posts, Alexander Lukashenko separately invited for appointment and conversation the future ambassadors to China and Zimbabwe.
"I have specifically invited you separately to discuss your appointment. But I want to say: two countries are extremely important," emphasized the Belarusian leader, addressing Alexander Chervyakov and Igor Marshalov.
The Head of State noted that Belarus's relations with the PRC have already been built in the main directions, contacts have been defined, and therefore the new ambassador will have to work not on a "bare slate."
"I won't say that in Zimbabwe we are building our relations from scratch. My visit was last year. Naturally, this is not only my merit - everything that was done before and after the visit indicates that we still have an unplowed field there. Although we have already received enough bread thanks to us (in Zimbabwe. - BELTA note) to feed the people. But there is a lot of work to do," the Belarusian leader advised. "We need to establish a diplomatic mission, expand our presence in this country. Especially since they are waiting for us very much. They value us, we have proven that we are solid people. And they want us to transfer our technologies in mechanical engineering, and other sectors - construction, healthcare, education (personnel training is very important), and also in the agricultural sector - to Zimbabwe."
MARSHALOV: BELARUS INTENDS TO MORE ACTIVELY PROMOTE BELARUSIAN EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES IN ZIMBABWE
"Neighbors (Zimbabwe. - Belta note), when they found out, heard, especially Mozambique, they really want to cooperate with us," the head of state added.
Returning to the topic of cooperation with China, Alexander Lukashenko emphasized that this country, along with Russia, is among the main partners: "They help us both technologically with the highest technologies and financially." The head of state expects that Alexander Chervyakov's experience will allow raising relations with China to a higher level.
"Therefore, there will be enough work," the head of state emphasized.
On the criteria for evaluating the work of diplomats
When making personnel decisions on appointing ambassadors to South Africa, Serbia, and Indonesia, the head of state separately asked the responsible officials what distinguished the candidates for these positions, and what exactly made them chosen from a large cohort of contenders.
"All the presented employees have significant diplomatic experience, exceeding 20 years," explained Foreign Minister Sergei Aleinik. "All employees possess the necessary knowledge and skills, have experience working in foreign institutions, have proven themselves in their current positions as competent specialists, and are patriotic. I am confident that they will worthily represent our republic in the countries for which accreditation is proposed for approval today, and will defend our interests in these countries, primarily promoting the economic agenda, which is a priority for us today."
"I would like them to understand that we will primarily evaluate them based on trade and economic cooperation with the countries," the President noted.
On the Prospects of Working with Southern Africa
Speaking about cooperation with Mozambique, Alexander Lukashenko emphasized that it should develop in conjunction with neighboring Zimbabwe, where Belarus is already well-known and interaction between the countries is established. Moreover, the President of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa, has discussed this topic with his counterpart from Mozambique. "There will be an ambassador there, just as in Zimbabwe. I would like you to maintain contacts. We need to hook Mozambique onto Zimbabwe, figuratively speaking, as a trailer," the head of state instructed. "They are very interested in us. And we can greatly help them there with our technologies, especially in the agro-industrial complex."
There are many problems in the countries of the Southern African region, and Belarus is capable of assisting in their resolution, as was the case with Zimbabwe. "In Zimbabwe today, they are glad that they have finally fed their people with bread. They couldn't harvest the grain. And now they harvest two or three crops. They have provided themselves with the main product. Why can't we help Mozambique? We can. Therefore, we need to understand the situation and focus primarily on the country where we are greatly needed and where we can help them. Naturally, this is not charity," said the Belarusian leader.
On the Future of Relations with Serbia and Beyond
Regarding cooperation with Serbia and the work of the Belarusian diplomatic mission in that country, the President noted that the situation needs to be seriously studied. "We need to understand the policy that Serbia is pursuing and wishes to pursue towards Belarus," Alexander Lukashenko set the task. "If they want (to cooperate with Belarus. - BELTA note), then there must be a result in the trade and economic sphere. If they want to wag their tails, so to speak, and support European and American sanctions against Belarus, that's their business, let them decide and support, if they have forgotten the goodwill with which we approached them."
Alexander Lukashenko oriented diplomats to strengthen interaction in those areas and with those countries that also strive for constructive cooperation and take steps towards each other. "We are facing another problem, which I have spoken about. If the West and America do not want to cooperate with us, fine - we will 'guard' our embassies where necessary. And we must redeploy our main diplomats to those areas where we see movement," the head of state emphasized. "We have movement in many countries, we cooperate with many countries. We need to strengthen them." This statement applies equally to Serbia. "You simply need to politically figure out there what they want. It's one thing to declare, and quite another to do - such a policy is not needed by anyone. Therefore, you need to figure it out here," the Belarusian leader said.
About the Southeast Asian Region
The President characterized the situation regarding cooperation with Southeast Asian countries as follows: "Apart from some sporadic economic contacts, trade and economic ones, there's no other way to put it, we haven't established ourselves there very well. We need to gain a foothold. Both Indonesia, and Malaysia, and Singapore are interesting countries for us, and we must find one and a half to two to three projects everywhere. This is your task."
On closer cooperation with India
The Belarusian Consulate General in Mumbai, India, according to the President, should work together with the embassy. "We must unite unequivocally. Not to divide the embassy, consular departments there. If it needs to be strengthened, then it needs to be strengthened," said the head of state. "We must establish closer cooperation with India, which will be primarily expressed in the economy, trade and economic relations. This is a global country, huge. We must see our interest there."
CAMPAIGN START. What landmark decrees the head of state signed this week
On November 20, Alexander Lukashenko signed decrees No. 367 "On the Appointment of Elections of Deputies" and No. 368 "On the Appointment of Elections to the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus."
These documents, in accordance with the requirements of the Constitution, provide for the holding of elections to the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of the eighth convocation and local Councils of Deputies of the twenty-ninth convocation on a single voting day - February 25, 2024, and to the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of the eighth convocation - on April 4, 2024.
The nomination of candidates for members of the Council of the Republic by local Councils of Deputies, executive and administrative bodies must take place no later than March 21, 2024.
At the same time, the Central Election Commission, state bodies, and other organizations are instructed to take measures to organize the elections, and the Government is to ensure the financing of expenses for their preparation and conduct from the republican budget.
On November 20, Alexander Lukashenko also signed Decree No. 357 "On the Council for Strategic Projects." This Council under the President of Belarus has been established to improve the planning, development, and implementation of strategic projects, and the introduction of research results into production. The National Academy of Sciences of Belarus will be responsible for supporting the Council's activities, and it will be headed by the Chairman of the Presidium of the NAS, Vladimir Gusakov.
COUNCIL FOR STRATEGIC PROJECTS ESTABLISHED UNDER THE PRESIDENT OF BELARUS
The main tasks of the Council include coordinating the search and selection of promising strategic projects, as well as their support; analyzing the relevance, political and economic feasibility, and competitiveness of proposed and implemented strategic projects; and developing proposals for improving the implementation of strategic projects.
PLANNING AND ORGANIZATION. What Lukashenko discussed with the Head of Administration
On November 21, Alexander Lukashenko received the Head of the Presidential Administration, Igor Sergeenko, for a report. At the beginning of the meeting, Alexander Lukashenko outlined a range of topics for consideration. The President identified organizational issues as central.
LUKASHENKO RECEIVED HEAD OF PRESIDENTIAL ADMINISTRATION FOR A REPORT
These include planning the presidential schedule (events that must be held); organizing the upcoming elections of deputies, as well as forming the composition of the All-Belarusian People's Assembly; and preparing for the New Year and Christmas holidays.
"I reported to the Head of State on the measures the Presidential Administration is working on. This primarily concerned a number of events for the current year, socio-political issues, and personnel management issues. The topic of planning for 2024 was also discussed, including the President's schedule and the main significant events planned for next year," the Head of the Presidential Administration told reporters after the meeting.
According to him, issues of preparation and work with the personnel reserve at all levels were discussed. This primarily concerned officials included in the Head of State's personnel reserve. The discussion also covered promising areas of work with youth, identifying the most capable and talented individuals for work in the state apparatus and other state organizations and institutions.
Igor Sergeenko noted that the Head of State's schedule is quite intense, which is evident from Alexander Lukashenko's weekly work agenda.
The upcoming year 2024 will also be quite intense, the Head of the Presidential Administration is confident. In this regard, he recalled that on the eve of this, Alexander Lukashenko signed decrees on the appointment of elections for deputies and members of the Council of the Republic. Accordingly, the work of the Central Election Commission and local bodies will be organized in stages. But the main thing is that next year, for the first time in a new capacity, the composition of the All-Belarusian People's Assembly will be formed, which should include true people's representatives – individuals representing various categories and strata of Belarusian society. This includes the parliamentary corps and representatives of civil society.
"The range of issues to be addressed is quite broad. I'm not even mentioning the need to thoroughly summarize the economy's performance for the current year. This will also be a subject of discussion with the President. Several large-scale meetings are planned, which the President has spoken about earlier, on specific areas of socio-economic policy. Therefore, everyone will have to work actively," Igor Sergeenko summarized.
Source: belta