Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 19 October (BelTA) – Good experience of Belarus-USA interaction in the past can be a stimulus for cooperation in the future. Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei made the statement at the solemn ceremony held on 19 October to unveil a commemorative plaque in the Loshitsa Manor Museum. The plaque describes the operation of the United Nation Relief and Rehabilitation Administration mission in Belarus, BelTA has learned.

It was in Minsk’s housing estate Loshitsa that the UNRRA office was located in 1946-1947. Vladimir Makei underlined that the United Nation Relief and Rehabilitation Administration had been created to provide assistance to the countries that suffered most during World War Two, including Belarus.

The official said: “It is necessary to underline that the United States provided considerable financial and expert assistance with carrying out the UNRRA program in Belarus. We are thankful for it. Results of this assistance were extremely important in the country devastated by the enemy.”

Now the Loshitsa manor and park complex is one of the most picturesque places in Minsk. Vladimir Makei said: “It is truly a unique place in Belarus. On the one hand, it is a fine specimen of architecture and culture. On the other hand, it represents our historic and scientific legacy. The place still bears vivid traces of the past social life and political events. You know perfectly well that the year 2015 is symbolic for the entire international community and for the United Nations Organization. World War Two ended 70 years ago, I wish it had been the last war of the kind. To celebrate that event, the United Nations Organization was created 70 years ago to support and preserve peace and security. In 1945 Belarus enjoyed the honor of becoming a UN founding member and signing the UN Charter thanks to the country’s contribution to the fight and victory over the Nazi.”

Vladimir Makei underlined that Belarus suffered tremendous human and material losses during the war. “The end of the war heralded the beginning of a new battle — the battle to restore the devastated economy, to create the new foundation for prosperous life. In this battle we had allies, whom we remember and to whom we are grateful,” said the Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The operation of the United Nation Relief and Rehabilitation Administration was one of the first manifestations of the United Nations’ solidarity and aid. According to Vladimir Makei, the UN agencies in charge of routine operations are entrusted with this mission nowadays.

“Belarus highly appreciates the level of interaction with the organization in this field. We are also grateful to donors in international technical aid projects, which are being implemented in the country under the UN aegis,” assured the Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs. He said he hopes the fruitful cooperation would continue in the future.