Interview of Belarus Ambassador to Republic of Korea H.E. Andrew Chernetsky to The Korea Times

On October 23, 2024, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to the Republic of Korea Andrei Chernetsky gave an interview to the daily newspaper The Korea Times.

To get acquainted with the materials (in English), follow the link.

The Embassy of the Republic of Belarus in the Republic of Korea publishes the full version of the interview.

• What is your top priority as the ambassador of Belarus to Korea? What do you want to achieve during your tenure here?

Republic of Belarus attaches special importance to the development of cooperation with the Republic of Korea. Despite all the difficulties, we are witnessing a raw of positive examples of mutually beneficial Belarusian-South Korean cooperation. Our countries face many challenges of global character which could be effectively resolved through bilateral partnership. And I see this as the main goal of my diplomatic work, namely against the backdrop of a complex of contradictions to find common grounds where countries can be mutually useful.

Our meeting takes place in a challenging time. There are a lot of contradictions between the world regions, sovereign countries and nations due to different views on the principles of the new world order. But I would like to stress that against the background of the difficult situation that is developing in the most areas of international political system and economics, one of the main tools of diplomacy is dialogue.

Therefore, given the complexity of the current situation in the world and in the region, I would very much like to establish a permanent and constructive dialogue between the Republic of Belarus and the Republic of Korea in any format acceptable to the parties. Such a dialogue is necessary for both countries in order to jointly solve the problems that are facing not only Belarus or the Republic of Korea, but also the entire world community.

In my opinion, despite different views on challenging problems, different approaches on how to address them, we should try to maintain the basis of the two nations cooperation which has been established so far.

• How would you characterize the current state of diplomatic relations between Belarus and South Korea? What key developments have occurred recently?

I would like to note that there were no and there are no insoluble contradictions between our countries. The more than thirty-year history of diplomatic relations between Belarus and Korea has many successful examples of mutually beneficial cooperation. And even despite the fact that at present the position of our nations on certain issues of international politics is somewhat different, I am pleased to note continuing development of the interactions between our countries in many spheres. Talking about sphere of diplomacy, I would characterize the current state of diplomatic relations between our countries as a cool, but quite pragmatic partnership. The full-scale development of Belarusian-South Korean relations has become less intense, but not at the initiative of the Belarusian side. However, mutually beneficial contacts and diplomatic dialogue continue even in this difficult period, including through the embassies of the two countries in Seoul and Minsk, as well as multilateral platforms under the UN umbrella. The Republic of Belarus supported the candidacy of the Republic of Korea for membership in the UN Human Rights Council during the recent elections. We express hope for the continuation of such interaction. The Republic of Belarus is grateful to the South Korean side for the ongoing projects of international technical assistance to Belarusian healthcare institutions. The Belarusian side is ready for further development of a comprehensive dialogue with the Republic of Korea and believes that such interaction will be mutually beneficial.

• What are the main areas of economic cooperation between Belarus and South Korea? Are there specific sectors where you see potential for growth?

The Republic of Belarus and the Republic of Korea have many successful examples of economic partnership in the IT sphere, optoelectronics, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry. Both countries have a strong history of cooperation in the field of science, inter-university relations in the field of education and research. Nowadays, despite all the difficulties, normal interaction between the business communities of our countries is continuing. Korean companies are evidently interested in purchasing Belarusian goods from the agro-industrial complex, wood processing and other industries, whose products have a high reputation in world markets.

Currently, Belarus is developing innovative industrial clusters which include research and processing companies, suppliers and service providers to boost production of innovative products. Such clusters cover a wide range of industries, from agricultural biotechnology and “green economy” to the high-tech cluster in the area of complex medical equipment. Joint projects in the abovementioned directions could evidently benefit Korean companies. Some of the potential benefits include accessible and cheap raw materials and energy resources, skilled labor force. Very important factor is duty-free access for goods produced in Belarus to the markets of the Eurasian Economic Community. The membership of the Republic of Belarus in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization also provides additional opportunities for interaction in this format, including on economic projects.

• What are some of the challenges or obstacles facing the development of Belarus-South Korea relations, and how can these be addressed?

I have already noted above that there are not and have never been any insoluble contradictions between our countries. In today's realities, we belong to different camps of world politics, and our views on some issues on the international agenda differ. That is why at the beginning of the interview I spoke about the need for dialogue. It is normal for countries to have different views on problems. And it is abnormal when it is no dialogue. Because only dialogue can help bring positions closer and find compromise solutions.

Nowadays, there is an aggravation of contradictions between global superpowers. Sometimes smaller countries could be drawn into ongoing conflicts. And this is extremely detrimental to them, especially for economy of smaller states. An example could be sanctions policy, which resulted in rising energy prices, disruption of global supply chains and forced withdrawal from markets without providing an alternative. To avoid becoming a hostage of superpowers’ contradictions, it is vitally necessary for small states to maintain interaction between each other. This refers to the Belarussian-South Korean relations as well.

• How does Belarus's strong ties with Russia influence its diplomatic and economic relations with South Korea after the break of the war in Ukraine?

The Russian Federation is a long-standing and reliable partner of the Republic of Belarus in all spheres. The Russian, Belarusian, and Ukrainian peoples have lived in a single economic, political, and cultural space for centuries.

The events taking place today in Ukraine are a tragedy for all Slavic peoples. Peoples who had a common history, culture, existed in one state for hundreds of years, are now in a state of war. The reasons for this are quite complex. To understand them, one must deeply understand the history and realities of the region.

After the events in Ukraine, Belarusian-South Korean relations did not exactly deteriorate, but their development slowed down significantly on the initiative of the Korean side.

The initiative of Korean Government to introduce list of trade restrictions is received with regret in the Republic of Belarus. We respect and understand all sovereign decisions of the leadership of Korea and such a step is also the exclusive right of the Korean Government. But my country, as it has been repeatedly emphasized in the speeches of senior officials of Belarus,
is a consistent supporter of a peaceful resolution of the Ukrainian conflict, providing its territory and creating all the conditions for a series of negotiations with the participation of the Ukrainian and Russian sides after the conflict began. These negotiations ended without results through no fault of the Belarusian side. The armed forces of the Republic of Belarus have not participated and will not participate in the conflict on the territory of Ukraine, as it has been repeatedly emphasized in the speeches of the President of Belarus. The absence of signs of the participation of the Belarusian army in the conflict was repeatedly noted in speeches by senior US officials.

Current restrictions on Korean exports to Belarus are not an obstacle to the further development of Belarusian-South Korean relations. The Embassy within its mandate intends in any case to promote bilateral contacts for the benefit of our peoples.

• In what ways does Belarus's support for Russia affect trade and investment opportunities between Belarus and South Korea?

Russian Federation is a self-sufficient country and is capable of independently implementing its policy. The recent BRICS Summit in Kazan demonstrated fairly broad support for Russia in the world, including from China, India, Brazil, South Africa, the Middle East and the Persian Gulf countries. I have already mentioned that the Russian Federation is a long-standing political and economic partner of the Republic of Belarus. Our countries have supported and will support each other at international venues and in other formats. A number of states, including the People's Republic of China, are also joining this partnership to their advantage. Thus, after a number of car manufacturers, including South Korean ones, left the Russian market in 2022, the joint Belarusian-Chinese venture for the production of passenger cars BelGee, located in the Republic of Belarus, increased the export of its products, Geely cars, to Russia. This spring, the brand BelGee entered the top 3 sales on the Russian market. I believe that a similar format of trilateral cooperation would also be interesting and beneficial for the Republic of Korea. But even now I am pleased to note the positive dynamics of Belarusian-South Korean trade turnover, the potential of which is, of course, undoubtedly greater.

• What is the primary purpose of Belarus’s diplomatic relations with North Korea, and how does this align with your country’s broader foreign policy goals?

I would like to especially note that the Republic of Belarus is far from the only country maintaining relations with the DPRK. A number of states that are declared as strategic partners of the Republic of Korea, including Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom — also maintain relations with Pyongyang at a much higher level than the Republic of Belarus, which does not have its own diplomatic mission in North Korea. Immediately after the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, representatives of the foreign ministries of above states visited Pyongyang earlier this year, where they held talks on the resumption of the activities of their diplomatic missions in the near future.

The Republic of Belarus has always adhered to the principle of multi-vector approach in its foreign policy, developing relations with countries interested in bilateral dialogue. In implementing its foreign policy,
the Republic of Belarus is strictly guided by the principles of the UN, among the founders of which, together with Russia and Ukraine, Belarus was.
As noted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus M.V. Ryzhenkov, the multi-vector nature of Belarus's foreign policy implies strengthening comprehensive contacts with partners in all regions of the world. The Republic of Belarus is ready to develop relations with all countries that show mutual interest. We consider this to be the main condition for developing mutual understanding in a multipolar world order.

• How would you respond to concerns from South Korea about Belarus maintaining diplomatic ties with North Korea? Do you believe these ties affect Belarus’s relationships with other countries in the region, particularly South Korea?

As far as I know, many countries in the region, including China and Vietnam, which are the main partners of the Republic of Korea, are quite actively developing relations with North Korea. The same applies to many EU countries that I mentioned above. And I would like to emphasize once again — according to the principles of Belarusian foreign policy, our cooperation with any country should not be directed against the interests of a third party. In building a bilateral partnership, we do not violate UN resolutions and strive for multilateral harmonious development. I would like to express my hope and wish that the development of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Belarus and the DPRK will contribute to the resumption of inter-Korean dialogue and the improvement of the security situation on the Peninsula.

• In your opinion, how does Belarus’s relationship with North Korea impact South Korea’s willingness to engage with Belarus in areas such as trade, culture, and diplomacy?

Regarding this particular issue, I would also like to ask how the direct talks between former US President D. Trump and the President of the DPRK that took place in Hanoi in 2018 affected South Korean-American relations? And if D. Trump is re-elected as a head of the White House and implements his intention to resume direct talks with Pyongyang, will this affect the partnership between Washington and Seoul? And how did the recent visit of the Deputy Minister of Defense of Vietnam to Pyongyang to discuss aspects of North Korean-Vietnamese cooperation affect the South Korean-Vietnamese partnership? With regard to the Republic of Belarus, I would like to once again draw attention to the fact that our cooperation with any state is not directed against a third party. I express the hope that in the event of further development of relations between Belarus and North Korea, this will also benefit South Korea.

• Given the relatively low level of diplomatic presence between our countries, what strategies does the Belarusian government have in place to enhance diplomatic engagement with South Korea?

I would not say that our countries have a low level of diplomatic presence. There are full-fledged diplomatic missions in Seoul and Minsk, there are ambassadors who have presented their credentials to the heads of our two states. The Belarusian side is grateful to the South Korean diplomatic mission for its social and cultural activity in Minsk, for the technical assistance projects being implemented. I have already noted a certain interaction between the countries at international venues. Of course, these are difficult times. A number of external forces are interested in destroying Belarusian-South Korean relations and setting the two countries at odds. But the cessation of dialogue only leads to increased misunderstanding, which is not in the interests of any state in the multipolar world being built. The strategy of the Republic of Belarus in relation to the Republic of Korea is contained in the words of the President of Belarus, said last year to the Ambassador of South Korea at the ceremony of presenting his credentials — “in these difficult times, it is important for us not to lose the potential that was previously developed for the benefit of the peoples of the two countries.” My task as the Ambassador of Belarus
to South Korea is to increase this potential. There are many areas of global nature where our countries can join efforts – the problem of climate change, the problem of food security and a number of others. The organization of sustainable interaction on international platforms between the Republic of Belarus and the Republic of Korea can be a good start for the resumption of a full-scale dialogue.

• How do you propose to address and alleviate the concerns of South Korean officials and businesses regarding Belarus, considering the challenges posed by limited dialogue?

Thank you for the opportunity to use this media platform to openly address South Korean politicians and the public. I would like to emphasize once again that even against the backdrop of the current harsh realities, I am pleased to note the normal interaction of the business circles of our countries, the development of contacts in the educational and cultural spheres. I hope that these relations will continue to develop for the benefit of the Belarusian and Korean peoples. Expanding the dialogue would certainly serve to better mutual understanding. This would be the best tool for relieving concerns and finding approaches to solving any problems in all areas.

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