Ipatov to BRICS Forum: Parliamentary Diplomacy Becoming an Important Format of Cooperation

On the sidelines of the XII BRICS Parliamentary Forum, which is taking place these days in India, Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives Vadim Ipatov took part in a meeting of chairmen of the international affairs committees of the parliaments of BRICS member countries and partner countries, and also held a meeting with Chairman of the Senate of the Kingdom of Thailand Monkhon Sourasatya.

The theme of the meeting of the chairmen of the international affairs committees of the parliaments of BRICS member and partner countries is “Parliamentary Diplomacy for Building Understanding, Capacity Building and Sharing Best Practices”.

Today, the world is experiencing tectonic shifts, and with the formation of a new security architecture, parliamentary diplomacy is becoming an important format.

Vadim Ipatov voiced the position of Minsk. The main message is that legislators expressing the will of their peoples should focus on the sovereign development and well-being of people, and international platforms should be a place for dialogue and respect for opinions, not sanctions and harsh coercion.

The Vice-Speaker outlined three main cores for joint work:

- Respect for sovereignty and cultural codes: Minsk is firmly committed to non-interference in internal affairs. The parliamentary track should become a platform for protecting traditional spiritual and moral values and building a strong social state.

- A reliable legal framework for innovation and the real sector. Economic cooperation requires a reliable legal framework. Belarus is committed to a close exchange of experience in the field of digital transformation, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and technological sovereignty. Our country is also ready to share proven models of social protection, family support and pension provision.

- Bet on regions and youth. Interregional contacts give the fastest and most measurable result for the economy. Working with the younger generation is a strategic guarantee of preserving historical memory and continuity.

- Belarus is open to an equal dialogue with all interested partners. I am confident that only by joining our efforts can we ensure the sustainable development of our states in such a rapidly changing world, the Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives emphasized.

During the meeting with Chairman of the Senate of the Kingdom of Thailand Monkhon Sourasatya, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus Vadim Ipatov noted that Belarus views the Kingdom of Thailand as an important and promising partner in Southeast Asia:

- Over more than three decades of diplomatic relations, a solid foundation of mutual respect and understanding has been built.

Minsk is genuinely interested in developing bilateral relations across the spectrum, from political dialogue to expanding trade, economy and humanitarian ties.

- A special place in this process is occupied by the legislative bodies of the two states. The parliaments of Belarus and Thailand have a good history of constructive cooperation on the basis of the current Agreement, Vadim Ipatov said.

Both countries advocate a fair, multipolar architecture of international relations. No pressure, only sovereign equality, mutual respect and clear consideration of each other’s interests.

Belarus has officially secured the status of a partner state of the association.

The Vice-Speaker emphasized that our country counts on tandem with the Thai parliament both at the BRICS platform and in the ASEAN IPU and IPA. In addition, Belarus is interested in involving its colleagues in the landmark Belarusian initiative – the development of the Eurasian Charter for Diversity and Multipolarity in the XXI century.

Thailand traditionally retains the status of one of the key and most promising trade partners of Belarus in Southeast Asia.

The July 2025 decision to establish the Belarus-Thai Joint Committee on Trade and Economic Cooperation is a powerful practical step to rock mutual trade. And here our country counts on the most active participation of the deputy corps. Ipatov: Belarus fully supports China’s peace and creative initiatives Photo courtesy of the House of Representatives.