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Press release from Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Press statement from a meeting in the cooperation format between the Nordic Ministers for Foreign Affairs

Published

Today, October 29, at a meeting in the cooperation format between the Nordic Ministers for Foreign Affairs (N5) there was an exchange of views with Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, leader of the Belarusian democratic forces in exile, on the situation in Belarus and on how best to support the Belarusian democratic movement.

– As the human rights situation in Belarus continues to deteriorate, the Nordic countries stand behind the Belarusian people’s quest for a free, democratic, sovereign, and independent Belarus. The Nordic countries are committed to further strengthening our dialogue with the democratic forces in exile, says Sweden’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Coordinator of the N5 cooperation format, Maria Malmer Stenergard. 

The Nordic countries are pleased to announce that to enhance the cooperation on issues related to Belarus, going forward all Nordic countries will have a focal point for contacts with the Belarusian democratic forces in exile.

The Nordic countries have a long history of support for a democratic Belarus. The deteriorating human rights situation in Belarus is alarming, with continuing persecution and intimidation campaigns against all segments of society.  The Nordic countries support the establishment of the International Humanitarian Fund for Victims of Repression in Belarus. As of today, the announced and intended Nordic contribution to the fund totals 2 million euro. In 2024, the Nordic Council has also increased its support to independent Belarusian media actors. 

Press contact

Richard Wahlström
Press Secretary to Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard
Phone (switchboard) +46 8 405 10 00
Mobile +46 76-5342523
email to Richard Wahlström
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