Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Neale Hanvey (Scottish National Party) on Monday, 21 September 2020, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 23 September 2020. It was answered by James Heappey (Conservative) on Tuesday, 29 September 2020 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Belarus: Military Aid

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what training was provided by the UK to the Belarusian armed forces between 2018 and 2020.

Answer

The UK's engagement with the Belarusian Armed Forces has been modest and driven by a need to build mutual understanding and trust on NATO's longest border with the CSTO. It includes Winter Survival Training, International Arms Control skills, Language Tuition and Peacekeeping.

Between 2018 and 2020, English language training has been provided (in support of Belarusian Personnel destined for UN Peacekeeping Operations) and one Belarusian Officer has completed the Advanced Command and Staff Course at the Defence Academy. Other training has focussed on Arms Verification techniques plus improving Governance in Defence as well as Command and Staff structures. Junior Leadership development alongside peers from other Former Soviet States has been delivered by UK personnel in the Czech Republic and Belarus. In 2018-19 the UK provided preparatory training for Belarusian Teams to participate in CAMBRIAN PATROL, an international military skills competition. Since 2018, the UK has trained around 60 Belarusians.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
92904
Session
2019-21
Transferred
Yes
Subjects
Armed forces Training Military aid Belarus
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk