Russia has been trying to use a certain anti-Western narrative to its advantage, but has found itself rather isolated at the UN, Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said on Thursday.
He also said Belgium certainly needed to show humility towards its Congolese partner, in particular, but must not forget to defend itself.
According to the Belgian Prime Minister, Russia is trying unsuccessfully to use the “gap” between North and South to its advantage. “Russia has sometimes found itself isolated in the diplomatic dynamic,” he said on the fourth day of the United Nations General Assembly.
“The UN remains a place where we listen to each other, even if we don’t agree on everything," the Prime Minister noted. "This forum, where everyone talks and listens to each other, retains great value.”
Russia’s speech is propaganda, agreed Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib. “Europe contributes 43% of humanitarian aid worldwide. What is Russia’s share? “Our involvement in the DRC has not decreased one cent since the war in Ukraine.”
During her speech to the UN Security Council on Wednesday, Ms Lahbib stressed that Moscow had had “no qualms about blocking the maritime transport of grain and targeting infrastructure that feeds the whole world.”
She added that the European Union countries had divided up the Nato member states among themselves in order to meet as many officials as possible. The aim was to correct the narrative that Europe was reducing its involvement in the countries of the South.