Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 20 July (BelTA) – Belarus has always built relations with the neighbors based on the principles of mutually beneficial trade, Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei said during the presentation of The History of Latvia, the book by professors Ilgvars Butulis and Antonijs Zunda on 19 July, BelTA has learned from the press service of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“Belarus has always built relations with the neighbors relying on the principles of mutually beneficial trade. The Zapadnaya Dvina/Daugava River had an enormous impact on the development of the ancient Principality of Polotsk. Riga has always been an important commercial center for both the ancient Polotsk and modern Minsk. The path between the Zapadnaya Dvina River and the Baltic Sea was essential for the economy of the ancient Belarus. This is how it used to be and this is how it is now, in fact,” Vladimir Makei noted.

It is the first time that The History of Latvia has been translated into Belarusian. “It is crucial for us to know the opinion of Latvia's scientific community on the events regarding our history. It is important that the book has been translated into Belarusian. Why? I think it shows Latvia’s respect and its aspiration to support the Belarusian national identity. This is very important,” the minister added. “Belarus and Latvia have always had good partnership relations. Our histories are pretty much similar and close: small states in the focus of interest of major political players. This had an impact on our history. Belarus-Latvia cultural, scientific, educational traditions are closely intertwined,” the minister emphasized.

Vladimir Makei said that during his meeting with the Latvian minister of foreign affairs ahead of the presentation they discussed Belarus-Latvia cooperation in transport and logistics. “Today we are at the crossing of trans-European transport routes linking the North with the South, the West with the East. We need to take the best advantage of our geographic location. The basis laid in our relations long ago helps us develop now,” the minister summarized.