By Rachel Lee
Korea provides a successful example for Belarus of how a nation’s intellectual capital can be used effectively, particularly technological development, which is Minsk’s priority, a top Belarusian envoy says.
Ambassador Andrei Popkov, who took office in September, said he was privileged to be in the Asian country that “focuses on technological innovation, science and education as critical sources of its national wealth and prosperity.”
“Belarus is motivated to go on the path of an innovative economy and information society,” he said. “These common strategic features of development are decisive for our interest to extend bilateral cooperation in the scientific, technological, IT, educational and investment domains.”
The diplomat believes the two nations ― since establishing ties in 1992 ― have had some meaningful achievements, mainly in information and communication technologies.
In May last year, the fourth session of the Belarus-Korea Joint Committee on Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation was held in Minsk, assessing achievements and raising topics for cooperation. In September last year, Belarus’ Ministry of Communications and Informatization and the National Information Society Agency of Korea signed an agreement to establish and operate the Information Technologies Cooperation Center for 2017-2019 in Minsk.
The second session of the Joint Committee on Science and Technology will be held this year, with expectations that it will “identify prospects for further research collaboration and exchanges in fields such as energy, precision engineering, robotics, electronics and aerospace,” the diplomat said.
With this fruitful collaboration, Popkov expressed his will to increase Koreans’ awareness of Belarus during his term. He believes the two countries have a lot in common, including attention to family values, respect for the elderly and pursuit of stability and peace.
“Both Belarus and Korea are located at economic and geopolitical crossroads linking great world powers,” he said. “Maintaining effective and long-lasting cooperation with our neighbors as reliable partners is very important for our countries.”
Despite similarities, Koreans know little about Belarus, he said. Because of this, the embassy is planning events to introduce Belarusian culture, history and language, in cooperation with Korean universities, academia and cultural associations.
“Belarus is a country with a beautiful nature, and rich cultural and historical heritage,” he said. “Our country is known as a country of lakes, rivers and forests. We have several national parks in which we preserve unique flora and fauna.”
Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And 19 topographical points of the Struve Geodetic Arc ― a chain of historic survey markers ― also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are in Belarus.
“This year, which marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, will add momentum to our relations and reach a mutual understanding on various issues,” Popkov said.
For the two sides to strengthen ties, the ambassador stressed the importance of establishing a reciprocal visa waiver agreement. Belarus is the only European country that Koreans need an entry visa for.
“Belarus initiated the process of concluding a visa waiver agreement in 2013 and sent this proposal to the Korean side,” Popkov said. “At the moment, signing of the agreement is still under consideration.
“This year also marks the 500th anniversary since Francisk Skorina, a famous Belarusian humanist and scientist, printed his edition of the Bible. He was the first book printer in Eastern Europe and his legacy had a great influence on Belarusian culture and the culture of neighbouring countries. I hope we will be able to make Francisk Skorina and his legacy better known to Koreans.”
Belarus is a landlocked country bordered by Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania and Latvia.
On denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, Popkov said Minsk adheres to international obligations on the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction, and complies with relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions.
“We support all peaceful initiatives for maintaining stability and security and believe that actions that can lead to the aggravation of tension in the region should be avoided,” he said. “Our consistent stance on this issue was expressed many times on different occasions at the U.N. and in other international forums.” He said peace and stability can only be achieved on the “basis of partnership and dialogue.”
This is the “Year of Science” in Belarus, which will certainly give additional impetus to many scientific projects and events, the envoy said.
“The embassy will explore new ways of enhancing ties between our countries in the years ahead using all shared values and welcoming the new ideas and proposals of Korean friends and partners.”
According to the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce, the industry accounts for the largest portion of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) with 26.4 percent. Next are net taxes on products (13.7 percent), trade and repair of motor vehicles (12.5 percent) and transport and communications (7.7 percent). The country’s core manufactured goods include freight vehicles, chemical fibers, fertilizers and meat products.