MINSK, 27 February (BelTA) – Belarus' balanced approaches to its foreign policy has contributed to the reevaluation of its place and role in the global processes, Belarusian Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei said during the extended session of the Belarusian Foreign Ministry, BelTA has learned.

"The previous year turned out to be a very difficult one for the Belarusian diplomacy. The unprecedented aggravation of the situation in our region in light of the Ukrainian crisis, severe confrontation among the leading world powers, and sanction wars between Russia and the West negatively affected the world trade, aggravated the economic situations in our neighboring states, and, consequently, led to a sharp contraction of the markets we traditionally supply our products to," the minister noted. On the other hand, Belarus' balanced foreign policy led to a new situation when more attention is paid to the country and its leadership, its role and place in the global and regional processes, Vladimir Makei said.

"The current favorable situation in terms of positive publicity and foreign policy opens new opportunities for us. We should fully use these opportunities, first of all, to expand our trade and economic cooperation," Vladimir Makei emphasized.

The Foreign Minister also noted that the Belarusian head of state and the government conduct a continuous and thoughtful analysis of Belarus' foreign political and economic activities. A detailed plan of further coordinated actions will help the country move forward.