The head of the National Academy of Sciences reported on the expeditionary activities, international cooperation and the results of scientific research.
Belarus began its journey to study the Antarctic in 2006, Vladimir Gusakov recalled. That year, the country joined the Antarctic Treaty (along with 57 countries, of which 29 have consultative status with voting rights in decision-making). "Our country is still an associate member of the treaty. We hope that in the near future we will also receive the status of a consultative member," he said.
According to him, the country has already submitted an application, which will be considered at a meeting of the countries -parties to the treaty in Italy in 2025. In 2007, the country created the National Center for Polar Research, which, among other things, organizes Belarusian Antarctic expeditions, selects candidates, and maintains the Antarctic station. Since then, Belarus has carried out 16 seasonal Antarctic expeditions. The 17th is being prepared now.
Vladimir Gusakov stressed that Belarus is party to 14 agreements on scientific and technical cooperation in Antarctica with governments and organizations from other countries, and maintains strategic cooperation and mutual exchange of scientific personnel with Russia. "Belarus is part of the international communities for the exploration and development of Antarctica and maintains close interaction with foreign colleagues. Our country is a full partner and makes a significant contribution to the study of the continent," the head of the National Academy of Sciences said.
