Opinions & Interviews
MFA: Belarus is committed to principles of religious freedom
Oleg Kravchenko. An archive photo
MINSK, 22 July (BelTA) - Belarus is committed to the principles of religious freedom, Belarus’ Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Oleg Kravchenko said at the second Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom initiated by United States Secretary of State Michael Pompeo, BelTA learned from the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In his speech, Oleg Kravchenko reaffirmed Belarus’ commitment to the principles of religious freedom, outlined the state’s policies in this field, and also noted the historical peaceful coexistence of various religious denominations in Belarus.
The event was attended by heads and representatives of foreign ministries from 115 countries, religious leaders and representatives of civil society from all over the world. The conference was the largest human rights event ever organized by the U.S. Department of State. U.S. Vice President Michael Pence and U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo were keynote speakers at the conference.
Oleg Kravchenko visited Washington on 16-18 July. During the visit, the deputy minister held meetings with Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for European and Russian Affairs at the National Security Council Fiona Hill, acting Assistant Secretary at the United States Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Philip Reeker, Principle Deputy Director of the Office of Trafficking in Persons at the U.S. Department of State Kari Johnstone, Director of the Europe/Eurasia office at the U.S. Department of the Treasury Brian McCauley.
Oleg Kravchenko also met Chairman of the U.S. Commission for the Preservation of America’s Heritage Abroad Paul Packer. The parties reviewed the possibilities of bilateral cooperation, including in the development of tourism and preservation of cultural sites. The deputy minster also met with representatives of the analytical community and business circles.
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