Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 7 April (BelTA) – Mutual intention to develop cooperation in various areas, strengthen spiritual, cultural, and interhuman relations are a peculiar feature of today’s dialogue between Belarus and Israel, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to Israel Vladimir Skvortsov said at an official opening ceremony of the exhibition of Belarusian photographer, research scientist Lev Dashkevich "Light and Shadow" on 7 April, BelTA learnt from the Belarusian diplomatic mission.

The exposition is showcased at the gallery of the arts and crafts center Jerusalem House of Quality. The works on display were taken from the funds of the National History Museum of Belarus and represent the full collection of the artist. The project was initiated by journalist and culture expert Inna Sheikhatovich, Israeli artists Alik Zamostin and Boris Ravich.

According to Vladimir Skvortsov, there are many examples that show the scale and intensity of the Belarusian-Israeli dialogue. “A number of important events took place in late 2015-early 2016. Among them was the launch of visa-free trips between the two states, ministerial political consultations, working visits to Israel by representatives of the Finance Ministry and the Sport and Tourism Ministry, the singing of the protocol to the intergovernmental financial agreement, and the agreement to resume the operation of the joint committee on tourism,” said the Ambassador.

In his words, the cultural part of the bilateral cooperation is quite busy as well. “The exposition of famous Belarusian photographer, research scientist and ethnographer Lev Dashkevich is an important event for the Belarusian-Israeli relations which have been gaining momentum in the recent years. They are based on the historical closeness of the two nations,” Vladimir Skvortsov noted.

According to the Ambassador, the decision to keep the Israeli diplomatic mission in Minsk opens up new broad horizons for cooperation.

Attending the opening ceremony of the exhibition was Belarus’ Deputy Culture Minister Vasily Chernik, Director of the National History Museum Oleg Ryzhkov, the Knesset MPs, heads of public associations, and general public of Jerusalem.