Statement of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus at the plenary discussion of the Ministerial Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (July 5, 2023, Baku, fifth order)

Honorable Ministers,
Distinguished Delegates,

We are grateful to the Republic of Azerbaijan for the leadership as the Chair of the Coordinating Bureau of the Non-Aligned Movement over the past four years and for hosting us here today in the historic and hospitable city of Baku.

Much like back in the early 60s of the last century, when the Non-Aligned Movement was created, we find ourselves in the perfect storm of calamities and at the dawn of a new era.  

The growing technological and digital divide, the instability of supply chains, the increase in protectionist measures and other barriers to international trade, as well as the unilateral coercive measures, exacerbated volatility and uncertainty in the global economy and created additional challenges for economic growth, social well-being and sustainable development.

In the midst of security, economic, financial, food, energy and climate challenges, we witness a shifting of global landscape, marked by a gradual transition to a truly multipolar world.

To this end, new concerted approaches of the Movement are increasingly important to promote more equitable and effective international world order that ensures its sustainable development in all dimensions - economic, social and environmental, on the basis of recognition of the right of each and every state to freely determine its own approach towards progressive development due to diversity of political, economic, social and cultural systems.

In reality, we see that this core value is undermined by the West by imposing unilateral coercive measures (UCMs) against sovereign states.

UCMs, which have a long-term negative and destructive effect on the human rights, including right to development, are the targeted political and economic weapon against NAM countries.

It has become vivid that unilateral coercive measures are aimed at preventing sustainable development of “unwanted” states. Hence, the implementation of the Agenda – 2030 on time is at stake.

Such measures, imposed in breach of the international law and the UN Charter, hinder social and economic progress in those states, as well, that are not directly targeted by such measures.

First of all, UCMs resulted in the global food insecurity.

Historically, the use of fertilizers has played a pivotal role in raising agricultural productivity, and hence contributing to food security worldwide.

Abruption of many export supply chains of potash, including from Belarus, resulted in the reduction of the availability of food at the global market.

For instance, due to illegal bans and restrictions, imposed on Belarus, including voluntary transit  restrictions, the decrease in the production and export of Belarusian potash fertilizers has led to a 16.3 per cent drop in the global output of potash fertilizers, (5.9 million tons), and a 20.2 per cent drop in global exports.

In 2022, Belarus has been pushed from the list of key potassium suppliers to Africa, which led to a drop in the grain harvest by 16.1% in this region.

These cuts have produced a particularly negative impact on the countries of the “Global South” that need them most, primarily NAM states.

By our concerted efforts, we must reverse the forthcoming negative impact of UCMs on the world food security and go back to the normalcy of life for the sake of the sustainable future. [In this regard, we should not shelf the situation with the Belarusian potash].

We all witness how unilateral coercive measures affect the sovereignty of the NAM states, endangering food, energy and climate security.

We must resist any attempts to undermine the principles of NAM and the equality of nations!

We must stand united against any unjust actions and advocate for dialogue, diplomacy, and respect for the principles of sovereign equality, independence and non-interference.

We are in the Movement because we all share the same principles. Therefore, we can and must deliver as one!

NAM has a crucial role to play! It depends only on us what future we want.

It is only through a collective effort that we can overcome the challenges posed by unilateral coercive measures, the collapse of the international security architecture, and the attempts to retain political and economic control by the collective West.

As we face all the challenges of our time, in the context of the growing geopolitical confrontation in the world, the genuine dialogue in the spirit of San Francisco is of paramount importance. To this end, it is increasingly important to spur our collective efforts for its speedy launch. NAM should have a special historical mission in this matter, as it was in 1961, when the Movement was created.

Let us remember that our strength lies in our solidarity and our determination to promote multilateralism, peace, prosperity and sustainable development for all.

Belarus stands ready to contribute to the collective efforts of NAM and work hand in hand with our fellow member states in confronting the challenges and for the betterment of our future.

In this context, exchange of visits between our countries will be a good opportunity to bridge the gaps, to learn good practices and to contribute to the future we want.

We look forward to seeing everyone in Belarus and ready to share our national experience as well as to continue developing mutually beneficial and equal relations with the countries of the Movement.

Thank you for your attention.