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MINSK, 17 June (BelTA) – Belarus remains committed to the principles of multilateralism, dialogue and the central role of the United Nations in addressing global challenges, Belarusian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Igor Sekreta said during a meeting with Director General of the United Nations Office at Vienna and Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Monica Juma, BelTA learned from the press service of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The parties reviewed the current state and prospects of cooperation between Belarus and UNODC, exchanged views on key international issues and discussed ways to strengthen multilateral engagement within the UN system. Igor Sekreta reaffirmed Belarus’ commitment to multilateralism, dialogue and the leading role of the United Nations in responding to global challenges.

Special attention was paid to cooperation in combating human trafficking. Igor Sekreta stressed the importance of preserving the universal and depoliticized nature of international cooperation in the fight against crime and strengthening collective efforts by states to counter modern forms of human exploitation.

The parties also reviewed the outcomes of the 35th session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, held in Vienna earlier in June. During the session, a Belarusian-Kazakh resolution “Combating trafficking in persons for the purpose of forced criminality was adopted by consensus”.

The meeting underscored the importance of further improving international mechanisms to combat human trafficking, particularly in light of the growing use of digital technologies by criminal groups for the recruitment and exploitation of victims.

Monica Juma noted the consistency of Belarus’ position and the country’s significant contribution to advancing international efforts to combat human trafficking and strengthen international cooperation in this area.

The parties confirmed their shared commitment to further developing constructive cooperation in areas covered by the UNODC mandate.