Belarus Denies Being a Source of Illegal Migration to the EU

Belarusian Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov has stated that his country is not a source of illegal migration for the European Union. He made this clarification during an event on migration at the Third Minsk International Conference on Eurasian Security. Ryzhenkov emphasized that Belarus is also combating illegal migration and has taken measures to address the problem, including canceling flights for some airlines and tightening visa regimes with certain countries.

Key Takeaways:

• Belarusian Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov stated that Belarus is not a source of illegal migration to the EU, citing the fact that no Belarusian citizens are among the illegal migrants caught at the EU border.
• Ryzhenkov noted that Belarus has taken measures to combat illegal migration, including canceling flights for some airlines and tightening visa regimes with certain countries.
• The Belarusian Foreign Minister emphasized that Belarus is also concerned about the current situation on its western border, which is not conducive to cross-border cooperation or maintaining normal contacts between people in border regions.
• Ryzhenkov assured that Belarus is willing to restore cooperation with the EU if the European Union takes reciprocal steps to address the issue of illegal migration.
• Belarus is striving to establish a framework and status for relations with border states that will serve to prevent all threats, including illegal migration, smuggling, drug trafficking, and arms trafficking.

Statistics:

• 0.5%: The percentage of illegal migrants entering the EU from the east, including other routes, who enter Belarus through Belarus.
• 10/29: The date on which Belarusian Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov made the statement denying Belarus as a source of illegal migration to the EU.

Sources:

• Belta (same day)
• Xinhua (October 29)