Press statement from a meeting in the cooperation format between the Nordic Ministers for Foreign Affairs

– As the human rights situation in Belarus continues to deteriorate, the Nordic countries stand behind the Belarusian people’s quest for a free, democratic, sovereign, and independent Belarus. The Nordic countries are committed to further strengthening our dialogue with the democratic forces in exile, says Sweden’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Coordinator of the N5 cooperation format, Maria Malmer Stenergard. 

The Nordic countries are pleased to announce that to enhance the cooperation on issues related to Belarus, going forward all Nordic countries will have a focal point for contacts with the Belarusian democratic forces in exile.

The Nordic countries have a long history of support for a democratic Belarus. The deteriorating human rights situation in Belarus is alarming, with continuing persecution and intimidation campaigns against all segments of society.  The Nordic countries support the establishment of the International Humanitarian Fund for Victims of Repression in Belarus. As of today, the announced and intended Nordic contribution to the fund totals 2 million euro. In 2024, the Nordic Council has also increased its support to independent Belarusian media actors.