At the invitation of the Foreign Minister of Luxembourg, Xavier Bettel, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya joined a working dinner held on the eve of the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting. Alongside EU foreign ministers, the event gathered the foreign ministers of Ukraine, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Iraq, and Moldova, as well as representatives of the European Commission.
Participants addressed the situation in the Middle East, Russia’s war against Ukraine, and developments in the region. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya spoke about the situation in Belarus, security and military risks, and presented the United Transitional Cabinet’s vision for resolving the crisis in Belarus – with the first step being the release of political prisoners and the end of repressions.
With European ministers, she discussed support for independent media, political prisoners, and repressed Belarusians; the EU’s policy towards Belarus; US humanitarian efforts to free political prisoners; and the overall human rights situation.
Ms. Tsikhanouskaya met with the Foreign Minister of Ukraine, Andrii Sybiha, to discuss further contacts, the results of her recent conversation with President Zelenskyy, and projects supporting the Belarusian diaspora – especially youth – in Ukraine.
With the Foreign Minister of Moldova, Mihai Popșoi, they discussed expanding diplomatic ties and supporting Belarusians in Moldova. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya congratulated Moldova on the victory of pro-European forces in the parliamentary election.
In her meeting with the Foreign Minister of Armenia, Ararat Mirzoyan, she welcomed the country’s European integration course and its efforts to achieve peace.
With the Foreign Minister of Türkiye, Hakan Fidan, Ms. Tsikhanouskaya discussed the security of Belarusians residing in Türkiye and possibilities for further communication.
With the European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya discussed the outcomes of the recent high-level meeting and the EU’s support for Belarusian civil society, cultural initiatives, NGOs, media, and educational programs.
“It is truly important for us that Belarus is always invited to such meetings. We are not forgotten – and people distinguish the regime from the nation. When we participate alongside dozens of ministers, it gives us a voice and influence to make Belarusian interests heard. It strengthens not only the agency of the democratic forces but also that of the entire Belarusian people.
I had many sincere conversations during this meeting and made new contacts. Unfortunately, especially in post-Soviet countries, there is very little awareness of what is happening in Belarus. I believe we can cooperate more – especially on humanitarian issues”, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya commented following the meeting.
