Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 23 May (BelTA) – The Vatican has played a big role in the normalization of the relations between Belarus and the European Union, Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei said in an interview to the ONT TV channel, BelTA has learned.

“The Vatican has played a big role in improving the relations between Belarus and the European Union,” said Vladimir Makei. In his words, the Vatican is a very important partner for Belarus. This state backed the strengthening of Belarus' independence and sovereignty and also promoted this in every possible way.

The minister stressed that the President of Belarus meets with the authorities of the Vatican on a regular basis. Speaking about Alexander Lukashenko’s meeting with Pope Francis which took place on 21 May, Vladimir Makei said he believes it means a lot.

“This meeting of the Belarusian head of state with Pope Francis was crucial. First of all, the Catholics in Belarus are the country’s second biggest confession after Orthodox Christians. We are interested in preserving the harmony, peace and stability in our society. It was one of the themes the President discussed with Pope Francis. Secondly, the social policy of the Belarusian state and the policy of the Vatican are much the same,” the Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs stressed.