Photo courtesy of RIA Novosti
MINSK, 11 July (BelTA) – The SCO and BRICS are associations of strong-willed like-minded people, Chair of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus Natalya Kochanova said at the plenary session of the 10th BRICS Parliamentary Forum in St. Petersburg. The plenary session discussed the role of parliaments in improving the efficiency of international relations and ensuring their democratization,” BelTA has learned.
“On behalf of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus and myself, I am very pleased to welcome all participants of the plenary session of the 10th BRICS Parliamentary Forum. First of all, let me cordially congratulate you on the anniversary of the forum. This is truly a landmark in the development of interstate cooperation and parliamentarism,” said Natalya Kochanova.
The speaker praised the organization of the forum. “I particularly appreciate the idea to gather at the Tauride Palace, an architectural gem known for its sophistication and stunning beauty, which turned 235 this year. This unique place is rightly called the cradle of parliamentarism in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States, and I am sure representatives of the BRICS member countries will feel like home here,” the speaker emphasized.
“The Belarusian parliamentary delegation that includes both chambers is participating in the BRICS Plus meeting for the first time. This signals not only our respect for BRICS, our country’s interest in becoming a full member of this association, this also shows the strengthening of mutual trust and comprehensive strategic partnership between the Republic of Belarus and the represented states. We fully support this format, when not only BRICS members, but also each participating country can communicate their position, and its voice will definitely be heard. A candid exchange of views bolsters the principle of multi-lateralism in global politics, promotes the common interests of BRICS countries on international platforms, helps intensify cooperation in economy and finances, humanitarian affairs and culture.”
The speaker recalled that a week ago Belarus joined the Shanghai Cooperation Organization “that, along with BRICS, is a new powerful geopolitical center, the global role and strategic importance of which will steadily increase.” “After all, the SCO and BRICS are associations of determined and like-minded people who are clearly aware of their purpose, their mission in this complex world, people who cherish and protect their culture and traditions, defend the right to national identity, their own path of development. These international structures have everything in place to become a solid foundation for a new, truly democratic and fair world order based on international law while observing the fundamental principles of the UN Charter,” added Natalya Kochanova.
