Opinions & Interviews

Belarus’ MFA implements many important projects despite pandemic in 2020

MINSK, 22 January (BelTA) – In 2020 the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs implemented a lot of important projects despite the coronavirus pandemic, Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei said at the opening of the exhibition of the Belarus Presidential Library “Diplomacy Secrets and Achievements” to mark Diplomats Day on 22 January, BelTA has learned.

The minister stressed that last year was not easy for the Belarusian diplomacy, especially due to the epidemiological situation.

According to him, the traditional and most important task for diplomats was to ensure favorable external conditions for sustainable development of Belarus. “The past year was difficult for our ministry in particular and the whole country in general. It was so both in professional and human terms. There were losses, including irreparable ones. Belarusian diplomats have always been known for solidarity, mutual support, high moral qualities. It is gratifying that we have once again proved it. These are our traditions, and I am happy that we keep them,” he said.

The minister said that a lot of work had been done in the year 2020. He mentioned the assistance in bringing home Belarusian citizens stranded abroad. “We have shown by concrete actions that our top priority is protecting the interests of each Belarusian,” Vladimir Makei added.

The Belarusian diplomacy has passed a long and important path, and is proud of a huge legacy created by the predecessors, Vladimir Makei said. “I am sure that last year has shown that you are worthy successors of your predecessors,” the minister said.

“Once again I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the personnel of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for dedication, loyalty, initiative and commitment to the high ideals of true service to people. It is worth mentioning that even the epidemic has not become an obstacle to a number of significant and sometimes  momentous projects,” the minister stressed.

Times ahead will not be easy either, the minister believes. The situation in the world is becoming more tense and difficult to predict. Belarus will have to face some trials too. “The Belarusian People's Congress will be the most important event for determining the country’s further development,” the minister said.

The exhibition that has opened today features old and rare books covering the origins of diplomatic relations of Belarus, starting from the period of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. The later period of development of Belarusian diplomacy from 1727 onwards is showcased through the multi-volume publication “Documents and Materials on the History of Belarus” (editions of 1936, 1940 and 1953). On display are also rare editions such as Collection of Consular Reports, Volume III (1898), Collection of Secret Documents from the Archives of the Former Minister of Foreign Affairs” (1917), Ten Years of Soviet Diplomacy (1927), International Relations in the Age of Imperialism (1938), Collection of Treaties, Agreements and Conventions Concluded by Foreign States, Volume IX (1938).

The exposition also features autobiographical data of Belarusian diplomats from the Soviet era, diplomatic documents of the First and Second World Wars, and literature that comprehensively reflects current trends in Belarusian foreign policy.

print version

make home page

add to bookmarks