Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade of Malta Ian Borg met Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the Leader of the United Transition Cabinet of Belarus on Thursday afternoon, at Spinola Palace in St. Julian’s.
The meeting underscored Malta’s unwavering support for the tireless efforts of Belarusian democratic forces.
Minister Borg highlighted Malta’s steadfast commitment to upholding rule of law, basic freedoms, and human rights.
Expressing grave concern over the increasingly repressive actions of the Lukashenka regime, including intimidation, coercion, violence, and arbitrary arrests, Minister Borg claimed that “Malta stands in solidarity with the Belarusian civil society and independent media.” He said that the alarming rise in political prisoners in Belarus is a clear violation of the people’s peaceful aspirations for a democratic future.
“Malta reiterates its call for the immediate release and effective rehabilitation of all political prisoners in Belarus and condemns the Lukashenka regime’s involvement in Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine,” said Minister Borg.
“As a close neighbour and partner of the European Union, Malta is committed to promoting deeper engagement with democratic stakeholders in Belarus. This commitment extends to ongoing efforts within the EU, including the Eastern Partnership and the Consultative Group, as well as Malta’s role as Chairpersonship-in-Office of the OSCE for the current year”, he added.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Leader of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus, expressed gratitude to Minister Ian Borg for extending an invitation for a working visit to our country. Additionally, she conveyed appreciation to Malta for its contribution to the Belarus Contact Group within the Council of Europe.
Reflecting on Tsikhanouskaya’s visit, Minister Borg commended the United Transitional Cabinet for its dedicated work towards the peaceful restoration of democracy in Belarus. “It is imperative to keep Belarus high on the international agenda, with Malta reaffirming its indispensable engagement with Belarusian democratic forces,” claimed Minister Borg. He reiterated Malta’s position as it stands in solidarity with the people of Belarus in their quest for a free, independent, and democratic future.
