Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 5 July (BelTA) - Belarus and Venezuela have much in common and share a similar vision of the world, Ambassador of Venezuela to Belarus Jose Joaquin Boggiano Pericchi told BelTA ahead of an official event to mark the 207th anniversary of the independence of Venezuela.

“Relations between Belarus and Venezuela are of strategic partnership in nature. We hold similar positions on the international arena - in matters of the preservation of peace, a multipolar and just world. Your country has been our important economic partner, especially in the field of industry and housing construction. The significance of the partnership is confirmed by the contacts at the highest level,” the ambassador said.

Speaking at the event, the diplomat noted that it was symbolic that Belarus marked its Independence Day just a few days ago. Today Venezuela celebrates a similar holiday. The celebration of such important public holidays in both countries is very similar: with a military parade, broad participation of citizens, big concerts. Yet there is one special event in Venezuela: the Declaration of Independence, which is kept in the National Assembly, is exhibited to the public on this day.

The festive event on the occasion of the 207th anniversary of the proclamation of independence of Venezuela was held in Simon Bolivar Park in Minsk. A monument to Simon Bolivar, a prominent fighter for the independence of Spanish colonies in South America, was unveiled here last year when Belarus hosted Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro on an official visit. “This was made possible thanks to the joint efforts of the governments of our countries. We are happy to hold the first celebration at this monument. It also testifies that our two countries enjoy very warm relations despite the geographical distance,” the ambassador said.

Pavel Pustovoy, the deputy head of the Asia, Africa and Latin America department, head of the Latin America department at the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noted that for more than 20 years the relations between Belarus and Venezuela have stood the test of time and are characterized today by a high level of mutual trust and respect. “We are proud of the fact that these relations can be called not just a partner-friendly. Our states voice the same positions at the UN, the Non-Aligned Movement and other organizations. A dialogue is developing at the highest level. Cooperation covers both joint projects and joint assembly manufactures, cooperation in the agricultural, construction, oil and gas fields. Partnership with Venezuela is one of the strategic areas of foreign policy of Belarus,” Pavel Pustovoy noted.

The event was also attended by representatives of government bodies and enterprises, public associations, and young people who laid flowers at the monument to Simon Bolivar following Ambassador Jose Joaquin Boggiano Pericchi and Military Attache of Venezuela in Belarus Guillermo Barbosa Heredia.