8 US-Belarus Observer Politics Politics US-Belarus Observer 9

a moment in history. Over the last 25 by the Chernobyl disaster. Cooperation years, our countries have achieved a lot is also actively developing in the areas of in the development of Belarus-American science, education, culture, and sports. relations, but there is still much left to In 2016, for the first time in the history achieve. However, a quarter of a century of our bilateral relations, the Belarusian is not only the time that has passed since State Chamber Orchestra gave a perfor- the establishment of diplomatic relations mance, directed by Yevgeny Bushkov, at between Belarus and the United States; a prestigious music festival in Naples, 25 years also represents the age of the Florida. More recently, two Belarusian Republic of Belarus itself. We are a very films – the feature film “Vera's Sweet young country by historical standards, Farewell” and the documentary “Songs but the first years of the independence of of Old Europe – Old Belorussian Songs” any state are the most important, since won major prizes at the Worldfest festival they largely determine the developmental in Houston. path of the country, if not for centuries, Cooperation is developing between the then at least for decades ahead. Our first regions of Belarus and states within the 25 years were full of important events US; sister cities are being created. Since characterizing the historic choice of the 2014, there has been a partnership be- Belarusian people and the internal poli- Presently, one of the important ele- tween Mogilev and Houston, and in 2016, cies of our government, and also making a ments of Belarusian-American interac- a partnership agreement was signed be- significant contribution towards defining tions is cooperation in the fight against tween Gomel and Fort Myers, Florida. the external political direction of Belarus. the illegal transit of nuclear materials. The infrastructure supporting our ties is In the context of our relations with the This cooperation, mainly directed at pre- being strengthened and honorary con- United States, I would note, above all, the venting the nuclear materials from get- suls are appointed: the famous writer, recognition of the Republic of Belarus ting into the US via Belarus, is a joint con- political scientist, public and religious as a sovereign state by the United States. tribution of our states to the prevention figure, and humanist Mikhail Morgulis I note that the US became the second of nuclear terrorism. in Florida, and businessman Geert Visser country in the world, after Ukraine, to es- Interaction in the field of international in Texas. Their active work really con- tablish diplomatic relations with Belarus. security is one of the foundations of the tributes to the development of various This happened on December 28th, 1991, Belarusian-American relations. In 2011 types of cooperation. For example, it was and embassies were opened in the capi- Belarus provided its territory for rail Mikhail Morgulis who provided special tals of our countries in 1992. In less than a transportation of cargo for US forces in assistance in organizing the US tours by year, Belarus and the US had very quickly Afghanistan, which were members of the the Belarusian State Chamber Orchestra. established the diplomatic alliance nec- International Security Assistance Force. Geert Visser helped establish ties with the essary for the development of interstate The Northern Distribution Network has economically developed state of Texas, Working at relations. After the disintegration of the become a reliable, safe and relatively in- and Arkansas and Oklahoma, and he also Soviet Union, the United States remained expensive method of delivering cargo for organized contacts between Belarus pro- the de facto sole superpower, to use the the US military. ducers and the world's largest retail store terminology of that era. The establish- Also very important is the ongoing in- Walmart. diplomacy ment of diplomatic relations with the US teraction of law enforcement agencies of Businessmen of both countries have was an important event for the young in- Belarus and the United States in the ces- interest in joint projects. Belarusian en- dependent state, Belarus, which was just sation and prevention of crimes against terprises are interested in an extensive Oleg Kravchenko reflects on 25 years of beginning to look for a worthwhile place personal property of the citizens of the and solvent American market; American in the world. United States, Belarus, and other coun- corporations – in the advantages of do- Belarus-US diplomatic relations I consider the voluntary refusal by tries. International organized crime finds ing business in Belarus, especially tak- Belarus to possess nuclear weapons an- ways to act across borders and uses bar- ing into account its membership of the other key event that determined the tra- riers between countries to try to evade Eurasian Economic Union, its proximity Interview by Mikhail Morgulis jectory of Belarusian-American relations. prosecution. Therefore, law enforcement to the European Union, the availability of It is no secret that for the US, a priority cooperation, which continues despite a highly skilled workforce and developed leg Kravchenko is the Belarusian protocol and legal issues, as well as in- “Mr. Kravchenko, 25 years ago, diplo- issue in dealing with the newly indepen- possible political disagreements should, infrastructure. As an example, I would Deputy Minister of Foreign ternational humanitarian cooperation. matic relations were established between dent states, as the countries of the former in my opinion, be a permanent principle like to mention the production of the Affairs. He is responsible for the From 1999 to 2003, he was an advisor to Belarus and the United States. In histori- Soviet Union were called in Washington of cooperation between the two nations. Cadillac Escalade and Chevrolet Tahoe in O development of relations be- the Embassy of Belarus in Sweden. From cal terms, 25 years is a short period, yet at that time, was the fate of the nuclear This is how we act in our relations with Belarus. tween Belarus and the United States, as 2007 to 2014, he worked at the Belarusian in this fast, technological age, it doesn’t arsenal they inherited from their Soviet the United States. The inclusion of services rather than well as with Canada, the European Union, Embassy in Washington DC, including in seem so brief. What would you person- past. Of course, these are just a few examples just goods in the exports from Belarus the Organization for Security and Co- the capacity of interim Charge d'Affaires, ally note as the most significant events in We understood the importance of this of constructive and mutually beneficial to the US serves as an indicator of a high operation in Europe, and other European a.i. of Belarus in the U.S. from 2008 to relations between our countries during issue, first of all, for guaranteeing the cooperation between Belarus and the level of business interaction. Both the countries. 2014. From 2014 to 2016, whilst working this time?” global and regional security; that is why United States. The achievements of co- success of Belarusian programmers, and He has served in the diplomatic corps for the Foreign Ministry, Mr. Kravchenko “Indeed, in the life of an individual or we made this long-term strategic decision operation in the humanitarian sphere are the demand for Belarusian software in the since 1994. From 1994 to 2007, he held was responsible for the development of rela- the lives of a generation, this is a signifi- which, in our opinion, would have a posi- very significant. We are deeply grateful to United States, are well documented. various positions within the Belarusian tions with the countries of North America cant period of time, but for a state, and tive influence on the stability and security the Americans for their help in the reha- I consider it important to always re- Foreign Ministry; he was responsible for and Latin America. relations between foreign states – it is but now and in the future. bilitation of children from areas affected member that the foundation of mutual 10 US-Belarus Observer Politics Politics US-Belarus Observer 11

together to overcome issues of disagree- “I have great respect for the American formation is generated and disseminated. Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on ment.” people and the United States, a country In earlier times, one could complain about the 25th anniversary of the establishment “My article “America Needs New that obviously occupies one of the leading a lack of information, but nowadays the of Belarusian-American diplomatic rela- Friends,” was published in the American places in the modern world. Americans main problem is the need to select the rel- tions, press and, as an example of a true friend, are wonderful, hardworking and hospi- evant information from an endless stream ‘Belarus and the United States have I presented Belarus. Do you have exam- table people. Thanks to their persever- of news. much more in common than they do in ples confirming this loyalty? Do you think ance, diligence, discipline, faith in their Of course, this fact is reflected in the opposition. Diplomatic relations between our countries need new friends? And is own abilities, and also in luck, Americans diplomats’ work. First, classical methods our countries are only 25 years old, but Belarus ready to be an Eastern European achieved impressive success in many ar- of diplomacy are supplemented with new the historical and cultural ties between friend of the American people?” eas, including science, industry, technol- ones as the arsenal of materials that help our people go back centuries. With this in “I have already cited a number of simi- ogy, and medicine. America is a large the diplomat in his work increases. In mind, we are firmly confident that through lar examples, although I tend to refer country, with a diverse population that this context, diplomatic work has become the support of honest, benevolent, and eq- to partnerships based on common in- includes representatives of various eth- much more dynamic. uitable relations, Belarus and the United terests, rather than on ‘loyalty’, which nic groups, cultures, religions, beliefs, Of course, in modern conditions, dip- States will be able to bring bilateral rela- also implies the possibility of ‘disloyalty’. and points of view. The policy of the US lomats should be able to use technical tions to a smooth road of sustainable de- Unfortunately, such a destructive and administration, which many in the world innovations for the collection of informa- velopment.’ counterproductive choice is increas- mistakenly perceive as the manifestation tion, but they must also be able to assess Forecasting is a thankless task, especial- ingly forced upon by the situation in the of the supposedly monolithic position the quality of the information collected. ly for diplomats who deal with the existing understanding between the Belarusian country or through agreeing concessions, European region. We strongly object to of the American people, is subjected to The ability to work with information has reality. Nevertheless, I want to emphasize and American people is the heroic strug- so it is extremely important to find the this imposed dilemma – are we with the much harsher criticism in the Congress, always been an indicator of the profession- that Belarus would like to maintain good gle and victory over Nazism. Our societies balance that ensures that the interests of East or the West? Our place in Europe and by the media, think tanks and US so- alism of the diplomat. At the same time, relations with the United States. I am sure are yet to fully recognize the involvement all the parties are met against the back- presupposes the preservation and further ciety, than outside the borders of America. the essence of the diplomatic work has that the United States is also interested in and contribution of all the participants ground of a gradual improvement in rela- development of special, strategic relations Therefore, I always oppose a simplified not fundamentally changed, and I think it developing relations with Belarus. Under in the overall victory of the Allies. The tions. I consider the concept of “common with Russia and the gradual improvement one-dimensional evaluation of American will never change, because diplomacy has these conditions, if both sides make ef- recognition of both this contribution and interests” rather effective; even in the most of relations with the European Union and society and the American nation. always been based on the ability to estab- forts to better understand each other and the inseparability of the triumph of com- difficult situations, it enables the identifi- the United States. We categorically reject Americans strive to achieve excellence lish contacts, conduct dialogue, persuade a find opportunities for the progressive de- mon values over an unprecedented evil cation of a basis for constructive interac- the alleged conflict between these foreign in the field of knowledge in which they colleague, and seek compromise. velopment of bilateral cooperation, the will strengthen the necessary sense of in- tion and to strengthen this basis without policy objectives. On the contrary, we be- specialize. The United States is undoubt- It is often alleged that diplomats say not relations between Belarus and the United admissibility of repeating such tragedies. detriment to the positions of the parties, lieve that facilitating an early settlement of edly a nation of individuals, but it is also a what they think, or that they deliberately States will inevitably become more mature I am pleased to note that for the first while continuing an extremely complex tension in Europe – improving relations nation of patriots and like-minded people distort the meaning of their messages. and more stable. Personally, I am sure of time in the history of our relations, the dialogue on existing disagreements. between Russia and the West, is much united by a love for their homeland, a de- In my personal opinion, one of the main the appropriateness of this scenario in the American military band marched along- Belarusian-American relations could more in keeping with the interests of all sire to ensure its prosperity, security and tasks of modern diplomacy is not to dis- development of our relations as well as its side Belarusian and Russian troops in the not avoid complex periods of disagree- European states than a false choice that respect for it, and they make their own tort information and certainly not to lie; possibility.” 70th anniversary Great Victory parade. ment, misunderstanding, limited com- leads to further escalation of tension and contribution. Along with patriotism, re- these practices will surely discredit the “Our magazine is sent to all members of The band arrived in Belarus as a tribute to munication, and barriers to the develop- potential destabilization of the situation. spect is also given to the special place that diplomat, and could damage the interests the US Congress and the Senate, to large the memory and eternal gratitude for the ment of cooperation and business. Returning to your question, I am sure the family occupies in the American value of the country he represents. It is critical companies, and to libraries. We are try- heroic deeds of all countries that together Following those difficult periods, our your thesis about the need for new friends system. to accurately and clearly explain your po- ing to open Belarus to Americans, many defeated Nazism.” relations have since become more mature is valid. It completely coincides with one This mindset is very similar to our atti- sition, to ensure that it can be understood of whom know little or nothing about “Diplomatic relations are sometimes and effective. We have managed to estab- of the most important functions of di- tude towards our country and Belarusian by the other party. It is just as important your country. We want to justify the similar to family relations; there are lish closer positions on the main points plomacy – to create new friends for one’s families, so I'm sure this is another of the to correctly understand the position of the name that some Europeans call Belarus, tides of love, then there is disappoint- of disagreement, restore a certain level of country. I am also convinced that the ac- commonalities that unite us.” other side and, putting aside any emotions ‘The Switzerland of Eastern Europe.’ ment, then irritation, then reproach, trust, and get rid of the most significant quisition of new friends should not mean “Once, in a conversation with the that might distort the meaning, to relay the What wishes would you like to convey to then misunderstanding. What, in your obstacles in our interactions. abandoning old and proven friends. Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs, essence of the diplomatic dialogue to your American politicians, businessmen, and opinion, was the ebb and flow of rela- It seems unrealistic to expect a com- I think that the Belarusian and Mr. Vladimir Makei, he used the phrase, government. the wider American population?” tions between Belarus and the United plete consensus on our views. Our dif- American peoples are already friends, ‘The world becomes better when we be- Recently, I heard an interesting state- “Unfortunately, I note that in the United States over the past 25 years?” ferent approaches, including those that which is confirmed by numerous ex- come better; that is, more flexible and ment: ‘a diplomat who is willing to talk States, many people still perceive Belarus “This is an interesting comparison and affect our relations, will continue to exist amples of interaction at various levels. more patient.’ Could you state your opin- about confrontation is a poor diplomat.’ I through generalizations created by politi- a fascinating point of view. I think that in- in the future. It is important to continue Whilst it is sometimes difficult for official ion on whether something is changing in completely agree, yet the main task of our cians and the press from ten or even twen- ternational relationships are at the same discussing those differences, and to try to authorities, including foreign ministries, the world of diplomacy, in diplomats’ re- profession is to find solutions to all diffi- ty years ago. I would like for Americans time simpler and more complex than understand the position of the other side. to quickly resolve all the problems and lations with one another? Are traditional cult and potentially dangerous situations. and, above all, readers of your magazine, family relationships. Yes, there are com- To understand does not mean to agree, start cooperation that is beneficial for methods of diplomacy disappearing, Of course, this must be without prejudice to show more interest in Belarus, to seek mon foundations – historical, ethical, but a detailed understanding of all the both sides; direct interactions between and are new methods and opportunities to the interests of the state; this is both the to better understand it, and to get to know spiritual, cultural, or religious, but there factors affecting the position of the other people, businessmen, scientists, and art- emerging? We do remember history, and complexity and the unique nature of diplo- its people. are also the national interests of each party facilitates the identification of com- ists develop very quickly and bring tan- we know that where diplomacy ends, war m a c y.” I encourage your audience to communi- country, the promotion and protection mon ground, occasionally revealing that gible benefits to both sides.” begins.” “What do you think our world can ex- cate more directly with Belarusians. I invite of which are some of the most important the differences in our approaches are not “For seven years, you have worked in “Each era has its own challenges, its own pect in the future? And in the context of everyone who is interested in my country functions of diplomacy. Additionally, it as significant as they might at first seem; the Belarusian Embassy in the United characteristics, and its own rhythm. Of the peace process, will relations between professionally, or even out of pure curios- seems essential to remember that one of the opposing perspectives are mostly States, six of them as the chargé d'affaires course, diplomats should be able to adapt our countries, the US and Belarus, be- ity, to visit Belarus. Fortunately, there are the principal diplomatic tasks is the im- caused by negative inertia, emotions, and for Belarus in the United States. What to the realities that surround them. come closer, more trusting, and based now many opportunities available. If they provement of relations between states. limited interactions. It is important that do you see and notice in the life of It seems to me that the main distin- more on wisdom?” travel by plane, US citizens can stay in This task cannot be achieved at the ex- both sides are interested in further im- Americans, in their characters, habits, guishing feature of our era is the speed “Let me answer this question with Belarus without a visa for up to five days. pense of the national interests of your proving relations and are ready to work and thoughts?” with which, due to technical progress, in- a quote from the statement from the Welcome to Belarus! g