Belarusian Foreign Minister Maksim Ryzhenkov proposed establishing a new cooperation architecture for the global economy modeled on BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation at a high-level meeting held during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The meeting, held on Thursday, September 24, was dedicated to the 40th anniversary of the adoption of the UN declaration on the right to development. Ryzhenkov assessed the systemic obstacles that make it difficult to adopt an international development pact.
The Belarusian minister argued that Western countries are seeking to restrict the development of the global majority through unilateral coercive measures, artificial barriers to trade and technology exchanges, and the imposition of democratic models and reforms. Rejecting the notion that “might makes right,” Ryzhenkov said international economic cooperation should be based on the interests of people rather than Western elites.
Eurasian security on the CSTO agenda
At a meeting of the foreign ministers of member states of the Collective Security Treaty Organization, preparations for the CSTO Collective Security Council meeting scheduled for November 11, 2026, were discussed. The meeting also addressed the creation of an equal and indivisible security architecture in Eurasia.
Ryzhenkov pointed to the Eurasian Charter on Diversity and Multipolarity in the 21st Century. The issue is due to be discussed at a September 25 meeting of the group of partners supporting middle-income countries. Following the talks, the CSTO member states agreed to coordinate their actions during the current session of the UN General Assembly.
Access to clean energy and airspace debate
Speaking at a high-level meeting on combating climate change and a just transition to clean energy, Ryzhenkov outlined the obstacles to finding effective solutions to climate problems. He said unilateral coercive measures were making it more difficult for many countries to access clean technologies and renewable energy sources.
The Belarusian minister argued that the boycott of Belarusian and Russian airspace had deliberately lengthened routes and increased their carbon footprint several times over. Ryzhenkov called on the West to abandon its “manipulations” of the green agenda, end double standards and prevent the politicization of environmental issues. He proposed joint efforts to overcome the climate crisis.
Economic cooperation with Ghana and the Maldives
During a meeting with Ghanaian Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Ryzhenkov discussed the implementation of trade and economic projects identified by the leaders during Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama’s official visit to Belarus. Cooperation on the mechanization of agriculture was assessed as successful, and interest was expressed in developing the related projects.
The parties also discussed food security, the supply of Belarusian food products and fertilizers, and expanding reciprocal shipments of Ghanaian products to Belarus, particularly cocoa beans. They agreed to continue educational cooperation and mutual support on international platforms.
During a meeting with Maldivian Foreign Minister Irusham Adam, the parties confirmed their mutual interest in expanding cooperation in tourism. They agreed to increase cooperation in international organizations on issues of mutual interest and to develop the legal and agreement framework, including in air transport.
Humanitarian dimension of the conflict in Ukraine
Meeting with Mirjana Spoljaric-Egger, president of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Ryzhenkov stressed the need for direct and constructive dialogue. The meeting assessed the contribution that humanitarian organizations could make to resolving the conflict in Ukraine and addressing related humanitarian issues.
2027-2028 plan signed with Azerbaijan
During a meeting with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, the main areas of cooperation between the two countries were discussed. Ryzhenkov and Bayramov said political contacts and coordination between the foreign ministries, including work within international organizations, were highly dynamic.
The parties also discussed opportunities to implement joint trade and economic projects. The foreign ministries of Belarus and Azerbaijan signed a cooperation plan for 2027-2028 and a memorandum of understanding and cooperation on consular matters.
