Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 16 December (BelTA) – There is a need to restore and strengthen the level of trust between the countries, Belarus’ Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei said at the annual Christmas meeting with the heads of the diplomatic missions accredited in the country and representatives of the offices of international organizations on 16 December.

“I would like us to restore the level of trust that we used to have and strengthen it, I mean, the trust in peace, the trust between our countries, the trust between our nations. Belarus will work exactly in this direction. We are always ready to make our contribution to peace and stability,” said Vladimir Makei.

He thanked the diplomats for the acceptance of the invitation to attend the meeting. “The year was difficult. Yes, we have the financial and economic crisis. We have problems, but I think we will overcome them,” he noted.

The minister also emphasized a number of positive events that took place in the outgoing year. Among them is the removal of the majority of sanctions in respect to Belarus, and also the country's successful parliamentary elections. “We should not, however, feel satisfied with what we have already achieved, as the recent meeting of the foreign ministers in Hamburg showed that the gap of mistrust is still wide between the countries. In my opinion, the biggest problem is the lack of trust. I can recall the words of German former president Johannes Rau who said that uncertainty and, even, fear rule where there is no trust. Fear of the future is just the right way to lose this future. These are absolutely right and important words,” Vladimir Makei said.

The meeting of Vladimir Makei and his spouse with the diplomats accredited in the country and representatives of the offices of international organizations and their spouses took place at Zorka jewelry plant. “We would like you to see a part of the Belarusian culture and its economic potential,” he said.

Performing at the event was the string quarter Alto, the choir Voca Band and the chamber orchestra Elite Orchestra. Annual Christmas meetings, held since 2013, aim at the popularization of the historical heritage, economic potential and cultural traditions of Belarus.