Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 28 March (BelTA) – Culture plays an important role in bringing the people of Belarus and Estonia closer together, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Estonia to Belarus Merike Kokajev told BelTA.

The diplomat noted that the cultural ties between Belarus and Estonia are growing steadily. For instance, the Belarusian capital hosted the Days of Estonian Culture in November 2016. Their participants were warmly welcomed by the Belarusian audience. Merike Kokajev emphasized that Belarusian Culture Minister Boris Svetlov and Vice-Chancellor of the Estonian Ministry of Culture Anne-Ly Reimaa met as part of the cultural event to discuss cooperation prospects.

Merike Kokajev pointed out that different cultural events help people learn more about Belarusian and Estonian art and cultural traditions. Estonian filmmakers are regular participants in festivals held in Minsk. For instance, the 23rd Minsk International Film Festival Listapad featured a retrospective of Estonian films. Estonia plans to participate in this year’s edition of the film festival.

This year the Estonian Embassy also plans to hold an exhibition of drawings from children’s books, and a large-scale photo exhibition about Estonian churches. A similar exhibition was arranged in Belarus two years ago. This year’s event will be its continuation. Besides, Estonia will take part in the International Festival of Arts Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk.

Merike Kokajev sees great prospects for strengthening the Belarusian-Estonian cooperation, including in culture and tourism. The diplomat welcomed the launch of a five-day visa-free entry to Belarus. She believes that the policy will help boost the tourist flow to Belarus.