OREANDA-NEWS. July 29, 2010. Belarus intends to step up cooperation with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Belarusian Foreign Minister Sergei Martynov as he met with UN High Commissioner for Refugees Antonio Guterres.

Belarus has been cooperating with the UNHCR and its Belarusian office for fifteen years already. According to Sergei Martynov, a lot has been accomplished, but much more still needs to be done. The agreement on the legal status of the UNHCR Office and its personnel in Belarus is an important step which creates the basis for strengthening the cooperation. Belarus expects the cooperation with the UNHCR will intensify,” the minister said.

Belarus has been cooperating with the UNHCR since 1996. Since then around 3,500 foreign citizens from 48 countries have applied to the authorities for refugee status or additional protection. As of 1 June 2010, 819 foreign citizens were recognized refugees.

Antonio Guterres is in Belarus on a two day visit. He is scheduled to meet with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Foreign Minister Sergei Martynov, senior officials of the State Border Committee, representatives of international and non-governmental organizations, diplomatic missions.

The sides will discuss strategic partnership for protection and assistance to people seeking asylum and refugees. In particular, the sides will examine some aspects of program activities and international technical assistance projects to help Belarus effectively address the pressing problems of migration.