On July 29, Minsk / Vladimir Matveev - BELTA /. Belarus will always be at the forefront of countries supporting refugees. This was stated today by the President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko at a meeting with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Antonio Guterres, according to a BELTA correspondent. "You have a very honorable mission. You probably help people in trouble more than others. I am very glad that you have the opportunity to see our country, to be convinced of the real state of affairs here, as well as the most problematic category of people in our world," said Alexander Lukashenko, addressing Antonio Guterres. "Unfortunately, over time, the number of such problematic people, whose situation in their homeland is not developing, is not decreasing. We feel this in our country. We constantly have thousands and thousands of people - refugees, stateless persons, who ask for help from our country. Within our capabilities and even beyond, we provide them with assistance." The President assured that Belarus will always cooperate with the UNHCR, being at the forefront of countries providing support to refugees. In turn, Antonio Guterres noted that he usually has to visit countries where there is a crisis situation. But he came to Belarus to express recognition and respect. The High Commissioner recalled that the day before, an Agreement between Belarus and the UNHCR on cooperation and the legal status of the UNHCR Representation and its personnel in Belarus was signed. He noted the high level of cooperation established between the UNHCR and the ministries and departments of the republic working in the field of migration. "Fortunately, Belarus has bypassed the problem of xenophobia, which exists in many countries around the world. Therefore, we consider Belarus a strategic partner not only in terms of refugee protection. Equally important is the support that Belarus provides in combating human trafficking not only at the national but also at the global level," said Antonio Guterres. -0-

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