News Brief

Belarus and Syria discussed the development of political, economic and scientific ties.

Belarus’ vice minister of foreign affairs, Viktar Gaisenak, on Thursday completed a two-day visit to Damascus.

A statement released that day by the Belarusian foreign ministry also announced Belarus and Syria are going to work together in international organizations and cooperate in educational and cultural areas.

Gaisenak discussed the Middle East peace talks, as well as the situations in Iraq and Lebanon with his Syrian colleague, Abdel Fatah Ammura. He also took part in the opening of the Belarusian Consulate in Aleppo.

During the visit, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem confirmed that he will visit Belarus. No date was determined.

Belarus, which has poor relations with many Western countries, has worked to develop contacts with Venezuela, Cuba and Arab countries such as Iran and Syria.

The U.S. and European Union say their relations with Belarus will improve after democratic reforms are implemented in the country. Western countries insist that the Belarusian government must liberalize election laws to provide a better climate for political parties and independent media, and release all political prisoners.