Foreign relations of Belarus

Belarus
This article is part of a series on the politics and government of Belarus
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The Byelorussian SSR was one of only two Soviet republics to be separate members of the United Nations (the other being the Ukrainian SSR). Both republics and the Soviet Union joined the UN when the organization was founded in 1945.

Prior to 2001[edit]

After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, at which time Belarus gained its independence, Belarus became a member of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), NATO's Partnership for Peace, the North Atlantic Cooperation Council, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank. The adoption by Supreme Council of the BSSR of the declaration of State Sovereignty of Belarus on 1990 was a turning point on the development of the state. It has also been in a supranational union with Russia since 2 April 1996, although this has had little practical effect.

Belarus–Russia relations[edit]

The introduction of free trade between Russia and Belarus in mid-1995 led to a spectacular growth in bilateral trade, which was only temporarily reversed in the wake of the financial crisis of 1998. President Alexander Lukashenko sought to develop a closer relationship with Russia. The framework for the Union of Russia and Belarus was set out in the Treaty On the Formation of a Community of Russia and Belarus (1996), the Treaty on Russia-Belarus Union, the Union Charter (1997), and the Treaty of the Formation of a Union State (1999). The integration treaties contained commitments to monetary union, equal rights, single citizenship, and a common defence and foreign policy.

Belarus–European Union relations[edit]

Following the recognition of Belarus as an independent state in December 1991 by the European Community, EC/EU-Belarus relations initially experienced a steady progress. The signature of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) in 1995 signaled a commitment to political, economic and trade cooperation. Some assistance was provided to Belarus within the framework of the TACIS programme and also through various aid programs and loans. However, progress in EU-Belarus relations stalled in 1996 after serious setbacks to the development of democracy, and the Drazdy conflict. The EU did not recognize the 1996 constitution, which replaced the 1994 constitution. The Council of the European Union decided against Belarus in 1997: The PCA was not concluded, nor was its trade-related part; Belarusian membership in the Council of Europe was not supported; bilateral relations at the ministerial level were suspended and EU technical assistance programs were frozen. Acknowledging the lack of progress in relation to bilateral relations and the internal situation following the position adopted in 1997, the EU adopted a step-by-step approach in 1999, whereby sanctions would be gradually lifted upon fulfillment of the four benchmarks set by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. In 2000, some moderately positive developments toward the implementation of recommendations made by the OSCE AMG were observed but were not sufficient in the realm of access to fair and free elections.

Belarus–United States relations[edit]

The United States has encouraged Belarus to conclude and adhere to agreements with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the program of macroeconomic stabilization and related reform measures, as well as to undertake increased privatization and to create a favorable climate for business and investment. Although there has been some American direct private investment in Belarus, its development has been relatively slow given the uncertain pace of reform. An Overseas Private Investment Corporation agreement was signed in June 1992 but has been suspended since 1995 because Belarus did not fulfill its obligations under the agreement. Belarus is eligible for Export-Import Bank short-term financing insurance for U.S. investments, but because of the adverse business climate, no projects have been initiated. The IMF granted standby credit in September 1995, but Belarus has fallen off the program and did not receive the second tranche of funding, which had been scheduled for regular intervals throughout 1996.

The United States - along with the European Union - has restricted the travel of President Alexander Lukashenko and members of his inner circle, as well as imposing economic sanctions.^[1]

Present situation (2001 onwards)[edit]

Relations with the European Union[edit]

The structure of Belarus trade reflects the low competitiveness and output decline of manufacturing industry in the country over the past decade, leading to the predominance of primary production, work-intensive goods as exports. Belarusian exports to the EU consist mainly of agricultural and textile products, while imports from the EU are primarily machinery.

Belarus is a beneficiary of the EU's Generalised System of Preferences (GSP). The European Commission decided in 2003 to initiate an investigation into violations of freedom of association in Belarus as the first step towards a possible temporary withdrawal of the GSP from Belarus.

Rally in the center of Minsk to support closer ties with the European Union, 2007

In December 2004, the EU adopted a position aimed at imposing travel restrictions on officials from Belarus responsible for the fraudulent parliamentary elections and referendum on 17 October 2004, and for human rights violations during subsequent peaceful political demonstrations in Minsk. The European Parliament released a statement in March 2005 in which it denounced the Belarusian government as a dictatorship. The European parliamentarians were primarily concerned about the suppression of independent media outlets in the country and the fraudulent referendum. A resolution of the European Parliament declared that the personal bank accounts of President Lukashenko and other high-ranking Belarusian officials should be tracked and frozen.

In 2005, Amnesty International reported a pattern of deliberate obstruction, harassment and intimidation of human rights defenders in Belarus. Reporters Without Borders accused the Belarusian authorities of hounding and arresting journalists from the country's Polish minority. Lukashenko has closed the country's main Polish newspaper, printing a bogus paper instead with the same name and size that praises his incumbent government. Several foreign, mainly Polish, journalists have been arrested or expelled from the country. Lukashenko accused Poland of an attempt to overthrow his government by stirring up a peaceful revolution in Belarus comparable to the Orange Revolution in Ukraine in 2004.

Later in 2005 the Belarusian riot police seized the headquarters of the Union of Poles in Belarus, an association representing the 400,000 ethnic minority Polish living in western areas the country that were part of Poland until World War II. The dispute between Poland and Belarus escalated further as Poland responded by recalling its ambassador from Belarus for indefinite consultations, and called on the European Union to impose sanctions on the Belarusian leadership in order to curtail the human rights abuses in Belarus. Belarusian papers described this as a 'dirty political game', and part of a 'cold war' waged on president Lukashenko. Polish Foreign Minister Adam Rotfeld said a clampdown was under way, aimed at destroying "all elements of political pluralism and independence" in Belarus.

Members of the Eastern Partnership

In August 2005 the EU's executive commission called for human rights to be respected in Belarus. The commission said it was considering offering support to independent media in the country and had set aside more than eight million euros from its budget to offer support for human rights activities. France expressed her solidarity with Poland on the issue of human rights in Belarus a day after the EU declared it was worried about the situation in that country. Several former Soviet Republics, including neighbouring Ukraine, also expressed their concerns about the development of the situation in Belarus.

In May 2009 Belarus and the EU agree on cooperation in the Eastern Partnership (EaP). However, it is contended by some scholars that the (EaP) is unable to create a workable partnership.^[2] This proved to be correct when Belarus withdrew from the Partnership on 30 September 2011.^[3]

In August 2012, Belarus expelled all Swedish diplomats, including the Swedish Ambassador to Belarus, Stefan Eriksson, and closed its embassy in Stockholm, after a Swedish public relations firm released teddy bears carrying pro-democracy flyers in parachutes from an airplane over Minsk on 4 July 2012. Lukashenko also fired his air defence chief and the head of the border guards over the incident. Their replacements have been told not to hesitate to use force to stop future intrusions from abroad.^[4]

Relations with Russia[edit]

Russia remains the largest and most important partner for Belarus both in the political and economic fields. After protracted disputes and setbacks, the two countries' customs duties were unified in March 2001 but the customs controls were soon restored. In terms of trade, almost half of Belarusian export goes to Russia. Due to the structure of Belarusian industry, Belarus relies heavily on Russia both for export markets and for the supply of raw materials and components. After initial negotiation with the Russian Central Bank on monetary union, the Russian ruble was set to be introduced in Belarus in 2004, but this was postponed first until 2005, then until 2006, and now seems to have been suspended indefinitely.

Relations with the United States[edit]

Belarus has had an ongoing discussion to relaunch IMF-backed reforms, concluding an arrangement for an IMF Staff-monitored program (SMP) in 2001. However, the authorities did not follow through with reforms as hoped, leaving an uncertain future for IMF-backed cooperation. Belarus authorities have said on several occasions that they find IMF intervention and recommendations in Belarus counter-productive to the economic development of those countries. The relationships with the United States have been further strained, after Congress of the United States unanimously passed the Belarus Democracy Act of 2004.

On 7 March 2008 the government of Belarus ejected US Ambassador Karen B. Stewart from the country, following a row over travel restrictions placed on President Lukashenko and sanctions against state-owned chemical company Belneftekhim. The Belarusian Foreign Ministry announced at the same time that it was recalling its own ambassador to the US. This was followed by the expulsion of ten other U.S. embassy staff from Minsk in late April. At the same time the government of Belarus ordered the U.S. Embassy in Minsk to cut its staff by half.^[5][6][7][8] A White House spokesman described the expulsion as "deeply disappointing".

Relations with other countries[edit]

Due to strained relations with the United States and the European Union, as well as occasional high-level disputes with Russia over prices on core imported natural resources such as oil and gas, Belarus aims to develop better relations with countries in other regions like Middle East, Asia, and Latin America.^[9]

Relations by country[edit]

Country	Formal relations began	Notes
Armenia	1992	Before 1991, both countries were part of the USSR, and before then part of the Russian Empire. Armenia has an embassy in Minsk. Belarus has an embassy in Yerevan.[10] There are around 25,000 people of Armenian descent living in Belarus.
Australia	January 9, 1992[11]	Australia is represented in Belarus through its embassy in Moscow, Russia.[12] Belarus has an embassy in Canberra.[13]
Austria	1992	Austria recognised Belarus in December 1991 and both countries established diplomatic relations in February 1992. Austria is represented in Belarus through its embassy in Moscow (Russia). Since March 1993, Belarus has an embassy in Vienna and an honorary consulate in Bregenz.[14][15] Austria Ministry of Foreign Affairs: list of bilateral treaties (in German only)
Azerbaijan	1992	See Azerbaijan–Belarus relations Before 1918, they were part of the Russian Empire and before 1991, they were part of the Soviet Union. Azerbaijan has an embassy in Minsk.[16] Belarus has an embassy in Baku. Both countries are full members of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). Azerbaijan is a full member of the Council of Europe, Belarus is a candidate Both Belarus and Azerbaijan are full members of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
Bulgaria	1992-03-26	Bulgaria recognised Belarus on 23 December 1991. Belarus has an embassy in Sofia and an honorary consulate in Burgas.[17] Bulgaria has an embassy in Minsk.[18] Both countries are full members of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.
Canada	1992	Belarus has an embassy in Ottawa.[19] Canada is represented in Belarus through its embassy in Warsaw (Poland). Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade about relations with Belarus
China	1992	Belarus has an embassy in Beijing.[20] China has an embassy in Minsk.[21]
Croatia	1992-09-25	Croatia is represented in Belarus through its embassy in Moscow (Russia). Belarus is represented in Croatia through its embassy in Vienna (Austria). Croatian Foreign Minister Tonino Picula on 24 June 2000 attended a summit of the Central European Initiative in Segedin, Hungary, and held bilateral talks with his counterpart from Belarus.[22] At least three bilateral agreements have been signed between the two counties.[23] 2001 Reciprocal Promotion and Protection of Investments 2004 Avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income and on capital 2005 International Road Transport Croatian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration: list of bilateral treaties with Belarus
Cyprus	1991	Belarus has an honorary consulate in Nicosia. Cyprus is represented in Belarus through its embassy in Moscow (Russian) and through an honorary consulate in Minsk. Cyprus Ministry of Foreign Affairs: list of bilateral treaties with Belarus
Czech Republic	1993	Belarus has an embassy in Prague.[24] The Czech Republic has an embassy in Minsk.[25] Both countries are full members of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.
Denmark		See Belarus–Denmark relations
Dominica	2004	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 9 July 2004.[26]
Ecuador		The governments of Belarus and Ecuador concluded an agreement about mutual visa-free travel. It was signed in Quito on June 20, 2014, ratified by Belarus law on December 29, 2014.[27]
Estonia	1992-04-06	Belarus has a consulate general in Tallinn.[28] Estonia opened its embassy in Minsk on 20 October 2009.[29]
Finland	1992-02-26	Finland recognised the independence of Belarus on 30 December 1991. Finland is represented in Belarus through its embassy in Vilnius, Lithuania.[30] Belarus is represented in Finland through its embassy in Vilnius, Lithuania.
France	1991	Belarus has an embassy in Paris.[31] France has an embassy in Minsk.[32] The late French director Roger Vadim was of partial Belarusian descent. French Ministry of Foreign Affairs about relations with Belarus
Georgia	1992	Belarus has an embassy in Tbilissi. Georgia has an embassy in Minsk. Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs about relations with Belarus
Germany	1923	Belarus has an embassy in Berlin and a Branch office in Bonn.[33][34] Germany has an embassy in Minsk.[35] German Federal Foreign Office about relations with Belarus
Greece		See Foreign relations of Greece
Guyana	2000	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 25 February 2000.[36]
Hungary	1991	Belarus has an embassy in Budapest.[37] Hungary has an embassy in Minsk.[38] Both countries are full members of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. Belarus and Hungary have in place a bilateral agreement to prevent double taxation.[39]
India	1992-04-17	Belarus has an embassy in New Delhi.[40] Since 14 May 1992, India has an embassy in Minsk.[41]
Iran	1992	See Belarus–Iran relations Belarus has an embassy in Tehran. Iran has an embassy in Minsk. The two countries have enjoyed good relations in recent years reflected in regular high level meetings and various agreements. In 2008, Belarusian Foreign Minister Sergei Martynov described Iran as an important partner of his country in the region and the world.[42]
Ireland	1992	Belarus is represented in Ireland through its embassy in London (United Kingdom).[43] Ireland is represented in Belarus through its embassy in Moscow (Russia).[44]
Israel	1992	See Israel-Belarus relations Belarus and Israel established diplomatic relations in 1992. During the 1990s, around 130,000 Belorussian citizens immigrated to Israel, forming one of the largest Belorussian expatriate communities in the world.[45] In September 2014, an agreement was signed on visa-free entry, making Israel the first country outside the Former Soviet Union to have visa-free travel with Belarus.[46] Israel and Belarus have signed multiple agreements, including for visa-free travel. Belarus has an embassy in Tel Aviv.[47] Israel has an embassy in Minsk.[48]
Italy	1992-04-13	Belarus has an embassy in Rome and 2 honorary consulates (in Naples and Turin).[49] Italy has an embassy in Minsk.[50]
Japan	1992-01-16	Belarus has an embassy in Tokyo.[51] Japan has an embassy in Minsk.[52]
Kazakhstan	1992-09-16	Since 13 July 1997, Belarus has an embassy in Astana and an embassy division in Almaty.[53] Since 9 January 1993, Kazakhstan has an embassy in Minsk.[54] Both countries are full members of the Eurasian Economic Community, of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation and of the Commonwealth of Independent States Kazakh Ministry of Foreign Affairs about relations with Belarus
Kyrgyzstan	1992	Belarus has an embassy in Bishkek.[55] Kyrgyzstan has an embassy in Minsk.[56] Both countries are full members of the Eurasian Economic Community, of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation and of the Commonwealth of Independent States.
Latvia		Belarus has an embassy in Riga and a general consulate in Daugavpils.[57] Latvia has an embassy in Minsk and a consulate in Vitebsk.[58] The countries share 171 km of common border.
Libya	1992	Belarus has an embassy in Tripoli. Libya has an embassy in Minsk. Libya embassy in Tripoli (in Russian only)
Lithuania	1991-10-24	Belarus has an embassy in Vilnius.[59] Lithuania has an embassy in Minsk and a general consulate in Hrodna.[60][61] Both countries shares 680 km of common border. Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign affairs: list of bilateral treaties with Belarus (in Lithuanian only)
Maldives	1993	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 6 December 1993.[62]
Malta	1991	Belarus is represented in Malta through its embassy in Rome (Italy).[63] Malta is represented in Belarus through its embassy in Moscow (Russia).[64]
Mexico	1992	Belarus and Mexico established diplomatic relations in 1992.[65] Belarus is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Havana, Cuba.[66] Mexico is accredited to Belarus from its embassy in Moscow, Russia[67] and maintains an honorary consulate in Minsk.[68]
Moldova		See Belarus–Moldova relations Belarus has an embassy in Chisinau.[69] Moldova has an embassy in Belarus.[70] Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus
Netherlands	1994	See Belarus–Netherlands relations Belarus has an honorary consulate in The Hague. The Netherlands is represented in Belarus through its embassy in Warsaw (Poland) and through an honorary consulate in Minsk. Both countries are full members of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.
North Korea	1992	See Foreign relations of North Korea Belarus has a consulate in Hamgyong-namdo. North Korea has an embassy in Minsk.
Pakistan		See Pakistan–Belarus relations Belarus has an embassy in Islamabad and a Permanent Residential Mission in Karachi, Pakistan maintains an embassy in Minsk.[71] Pakistan and Belarus maintain very close relations with each other, Pakistan was one of the first countries to accept Belarus after its independence. President of Belarus and PM of Pak have visited each other's countries on state visits. Pakistan and Belarus have a huge trade partnership. Pakistan also provides Belarus with Military expertise.
Panama	1998	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 22 October 1998.[72]
Poland	1992-03-02	See Poland–Belarus relations Poland was one of the first countries to recognise Belarusian independence.[73] Belarus has an embassy in Warsaw, consulates general in Gdańsk and Białystok, and a consulate in Biała Podlaska.[74] Poland has an embassy in Minsk and consulates general in Brest and Hrodna.[75]
Romania		Belarus has an embassy in Bucharest.[76] Romania has an embassy in Minsk.[77]
Russia		See Belarus–Russia relations Russia remains the largest and most important partner for Belarus both in the political and economic fields.
Serbia	1994-11-15	See Belarus–Serbia relations Serbia recognised Belarus in December 1991 and both countries established diplomatic relations in November 1994 and at the ambassadorial level in 1996. Belarus has an embassy in Belgrade. Serbia has an embassy in Minsk.
Slovakia	1993	Belarus has an embassy in Bratislava.[78] Since 1995, Slovakia has an embassy in Minsk.[79] Both countries are full members of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.
South Africa	March 1993[80]	Belarus has an embassy in Pretoria[81] South Africa is represented in Belarus through its embassy in Moscow, Russia[81]
South Korea	1992-02-10[82]	The establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Korea and the Republic of Belarus started on 10 February 1992. Belarus has an embassy in Seoul.[83] The Belarusian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus has visited Seoul on 9 February 2015.[84] Bilateral Trade in 2014 Exports 41 million US dollars Imports 45 million US dollars The[Republic of Korea has an embassy in Minsk. South Korean Ministry of Foreign affairs and Trade about relations with Belarus Foreign relations of South Korea#Europe Foreign relations of South Korea Foreign relations of the Republic of Korea.[82]
Spain	1992-02-13	Belarus is represented in Spain through it embassy in Paris (France). Spain is represented in Belarus through it embassy in Moscow (Russia).[85] Both countries are full members of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation about relations with Belarus (in Spanish only)
Sweden	1992	In August 2012 Belarus announced that their embassy in Stockholm would be shut down.[86] Sweden has an embassy in Minsk, however, no accredited diplomats are stationed there and the embassy has been closed to the public since 30 August 2012.[87] Both countries are full members of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.
Switzerland		Switzerland recognised Belarus on 23 December 1991. Since 1992, the Swiss ambassador in Poland has also been accredited in Minsk. Switzerland has a consulate in Minsk.[88] Belarus has an embassy in Bern.[89] Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs about relations with Belarus
Syria	1992	Belarus has an embassy in Damascus.[90] Syria has an embassy in Minsk.
Turkey	1992-05-25	Turkey was the first country to recognize Belarus on 16 December 1991 after the declaration of its independence on 25 August 1991. Belarus has an embassy in Ankara. Turkey has an embassy in Minsk. Both countries are full members of the Council of Europe and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs about relations with Belarus
Turkmenistan	1992	Belarus has an embassy in Ashgabat.[91] Turkmenistan has an embassy in Minsk.
Ukraine		See Belarus–Ukraine relations The two countries share 891 km of border. Belarus has an embassy in Kiev and an honorary consulate in Lviv.[92] Ukraine has an embassy in Minsk and a general consulate in Brest.[93] Both countries are members of the Baku Initiative, Common Economic Space, Central European Initiative and Commonwealth of Independent States.
United Kingdom	1991	In 1994, Belarus opened its embassy in London.[94] In 1995, the British embassy in Minsk was opened.[95] British Foreign and Commonwealth Office about relations with Belarus
United States	1991	See Belarus – United States relations Embassy of Belarus in Washington, D.C. Interstate relations between the United States and Belarus began in 1991 upon the dissolution of the Soviet Union, of which Belarus had been a part. However, the relations have turned sour due to accusations by the United States that Belarus has been undemocratic. Belarus, in turn, has accused the United States of interfering in its internal affairs.
Uzbekistan	1992	Belarus has an embassy in Tashkent.[96] Uzbekistan has an embassy in Minsk. Both countries are full members of the Eurasian Economic Community, of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation and of the Commonwealth of Independent States
Vietnam	December 27, 1991[97]	See Belarus-Vietnam relations Since 1997, Belarus has an embassy in Hanoi.[98] Since November 2003, Vietnam has an embassy in Minsk.[99]

See also[edit]

• Belarus–European Union relations
• List of diplomatic missions in Belarus
• List of diplomatic missions of Belarus
• Visa requirements for Belarusian citizens
• EU Neighbourhood Info Centre: Country profile of Belarus

External links[edit]

• Back from the Cold? The EU and Belarus in 2009 (Chaillot Paper No.119) European Union Institute for Security Studies
• Belarus OKs European Integration Of Moldova, Offers To Promote China In Europe - Belarus Foreign Policy Digest
• EU Should Keep Belarus In Its Orbit
• Is Belarus-China Cooperation A Pipe Dream?
• Belarus Discovers Its Eurasian Side
• Belarus Welcomes Top EU Leaders: A Rare Show
• A 'Nice Dialogue' With Europe, Befriending Middle East Hardliners - Belarus Foreign Policy Digest
• Multi-Vector Diplomacy With Trade In Focus - Belarus Foreign Policy Digest
• Both An EU Partner And Russia's Satellite?
• Belarus Engages With The US, Improves Ties With Europe And Post-Soviet Countries – Foreign Policy Digest
• Minsk Dialogue Non-Paper: Another Yalta Is Impossible
• Analytical paper: Belarus-Russia relations after the Ukraine conflict

References[edit]