International counter-terrorism conference in Minsk

Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko took part in the international high-level conference "Countering terrorism through innovative approaches and the use of new and emerging technologies" in Minsk on 3 September.

The head of state emphasized that this topic is very important for ensuring security in every state on every continent.

On the possibility of victory over terrorism

The President mentioned the words of President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union Gabriela Cuevas Barron who spoke about the possibility to put an end to terrorism at the opening of the conference. “Yes, we can put an end to terrorism. Not today, not tomorrow, not immediately, and only with a condition – if we want it. At the end of her speech she said the right thing: when we come back home we should do our best to eradicate terrorism and start building a new planet. Perhaps, you will want to build a new planet with a condition – if you convince us, first of all, and our power-wielding colleagues to build this new planet without terrorism on open, honest and fair terms,” the Belarusian leader stressed.

“Terrorism has become one of the biggest and most serious threats to global security. This threat does not know state and moral borders. It claims lives of ordinary people, with the elderly, women and children among the victims. Methods of terrorists are ruthless and inhuman. Technologies used in the preparation of terrorist attacks are developing at the speed of the global information and technical progress,” the President said.

On the international dialogue

Aleksandr Lukashenko described terrorism as an unprecedented challenge for the modern society. “Even the most powerful states with the biggest force potential and advanced technologies cannot cope with this challenge alone,” he said.

In his words, all countries in the world should now join efforts in a systematic fight against terrorists and their allies, a comprehensive international dialogue is needed. “I think it is obvious for everyone, especially for experts in this room, that a joint coordination of efforts is essential. Of course, the UN plays a crucial role in this mission. Belarus is party to all major universal agreements under the auspices of the United Nations. In 2006, Belarus voted for the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, the first document to determine a universal approach to the war on terrorism,” the President said.

On setting up acounter-terrorism front

According to the President, Belarus continues supporting all the counter-terrorism initiatives within the framework of the United Nations. The country strengthens partnership in counter-terrorism, shares information and best practices, participates in developing a network of counter-terrorism coordinators.

“Today’s scale of terrorist activities, however, requires going beyond one organization. I am convinced that the development of a strong-knit counter-terrorism front by the UN, the OSCE, the EU, the CSTO, the CIS, the SCO and other international organizations is the only way to counteract this threat effectively,” the Belarusian leader said.

He also believes that the idea to unite two regions: the OSCE and the ASEAN under the aegis of the Minsk conference on counter-terrorism was relevant and timely.

On Belarus’ role in counter-terrorism effort

“Located in the center of Europe, our country serves as a reliable outpost for uncovering foreign terrorists and militants in passenger and migration flows. This can be done due to well-developed border infrastructure, multi-tier security system, a wealth of experience amassed during the collaboration with appropriate agencies of other countries and international organizations,” the head of state said.

Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized that fortunately, there are no fundamental reasons for extremist activities based on religious, ethnic or social intolerance in Belarus. “I will tell you more: the Belarusian government and I personally have no reasons either to give rise to terrorist groups, finance and arm them. I think you got the idea,” the Belarusian leader said.

With a view to strengthening the national public security monitoring system, resident companies of the Belarusian Hi-Tech Park have developed and are promoting advanced software solutions, including solutions based on artificial intelligence.