Opinions & Interviews

BREST, 22 November (BelTA) – Two Brests are showing an example of dynamic development of contacts between the regions of Belarus and France, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France to Belarus Didier Canesse said at a function held on 21 November to mark three years since the Honorary Consulate of France was opened in Brest, BelTA has learned.

“The opening of the Honorary Consulate of France to Brest was necessitated to create a robust foundation in this oblast center, which is an important point for the import of goods into the country and also a door for a big number of tourists from France. Three years later this decision became even more important. Today, with the Belarusian authorities having introduced a five-day visa-free entry to the country with a view to attracting foreign tourists, the city of Brest occupies a special place in the field of consular interests. Thanks to its development level, Brest Oblast is of great interest to French business,” the diplomat said.

In his words, the only Honorary Consulate of France in Belarus has actively promoted the development of trade and economic relations between the two countries, the strengthening of interregional relations in science and education, culture and sports. “Brest is an example of the dynamic development of these mutual relations. Brest of France and Brest of Belarus became twin cities long time ago. This was the basis for a lot of exchanges in different areas between the regions,” Didier Canesse said.

In recognition of outstanding merits on behalf of the President of France, the ambassador presented the National Order of Merit to Honorary Consul of France in Brest Leonid Stayetsky. “This is a very high award, which was instituted by General De Gaulle in 1963. With this award France would like to express its gratitude to the honorary consul for his contribution to the development of relations between our countries and initiating numerous initiatives of French-Belarusian cooperation in culture, sports, education, and healthcare. He also performs a very important consular function. There are various issues that need quick and effective solution, and Leonid Stayetsky does well,” the ambassador said.

Attending the function were the local authorities, representatives of diplomatic missions, intellectuals and the clergy of the city.