Opinions & Interviews

“I would like to welcome the creative role the Order of Malta has played in humanitarian projects in our country. These have been the supply of medicines for the Belarusian healthcare institutions by various associations under the aegis of the Order of Malta, the organization of on-the-job training for Belarusian doctors in foreign university clinics and also humanitarian assistance programs,” noted Andrei Kobyakov.

In his words, the Grand Chancellor is visiting Belarus as the country marks the anniversary of the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. This vividly demonstrates the responsible attitude of the sovereign Order of Malta to the problems that Belarus has been dealing with for 30 years after the catastrophe.

“I would also like to emphasize that the relations between Belarus and the Order of Malta have traditionally been constructive and friendly. The Order of Malta is an important partner for Belarus in the international arena whose support and assistance in the implementation of humanitarian and cultural projects are of crucial importance for us,” noted Andrei Kobyakov.

According to the PM, Belarus would appreciate if the Order of Malta considered its possible participation in new projects in medicine, or projects to renovate important healthcare facilities in Belarus, including those located in the Chernobyl-affected territories in Gomel Oblast.

Andrei Kobyakov also suggested projects to promote the socialization of people with disabilities, to supply equipment for medical examination of people living in the contaminated areas, renovate and provide equipment for the regional children’s hospital in Gomel.

“On behalf of the Belarusian government I would like to confirm the intention to do more and to continue searching for new ways to step up cooperation between Belarus and the Order of Malta in the areas of mutual interest. I am confident that by joint efforts we will be able to intensify bilateral cooperation for the benefit of Belarus and the Order of Malta,” said Andrei Kobyakov.

For his part, Grand Chancellor Albrecht von Boeselager thanked Andrei Kobyakov for warm welcome. “This is my first visit to Belarus. I was looking forward to it,” he said.