Opinions & Interviews

TEL AVIV, 25 June (BelTA) – Active development of humanitarian contacts strengthen cooperation between Belarus and Israel, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to Israel Vladimir Skvortsov said at the event held in Tel Aviv to mark Belarus’ Independence Day, BelTA informs.

“The Belarusian-Israeli bilateral relations are constructive and it pertains to various areas of cooperation, including, trade and economic, interdepartmental and parliamentary cooperation, cultural and humanitarian sector,” the diplomat stressed.

The Ambassador also expressed hope for a prompt completion by Israel of all its interstate procedures to ratify a visa abolition agreement which will add additional impetus to the whole range of partner relations between the two countries.

Minister of Culture and Sport of Israel Miri Regev addressed all those present with a greeting speech. She took note of close historical connections between Belarusian and Jewish people as well as friendly relations that demonstrate positive dynamics in various areas of cooperation today. She also stressed Belarus’ contribution to the preservation of the historical truth about World War Two, emphasizing the official opening ceremony of Trostenets Memorial which took place with the participation of President Alexander Lukashenko on 22 June.

Attending the event was Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel Zvi Rav-Ner, Director of the Department Eurasia 1 of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Yakov Livne, Knesset MPs Robert Ilatov, Sofa Landver, Yoel Razvozov, Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem, head of the Russian spiritual mission in Jerusalem Hegumen Theophan. Among the guests were also mayors of Israeli cities, members of municipal councils, representatives of the All-Israeli Association of Belarusian Natives, diplomatic corps, business communities, creative intelligentsia and journalists.

A photo exhibition prepared by BelTA News Agency, which opening took place on 24 June, made an important part of the event. The exposition consists of two parts: One Victory for All and Belarus – Land Under White Wings. The first part of the exposition tells about important events in the history of the Belarusian people such as Bagration Operation, Belarus’ liberation from the Nazis and includes photographs of war participants.

The exposition Belarus – Land Under White Wings demonstrates the country’s modern life and its achievements. Visitors may see Belarus’ numerous landmarks, including Nalibokskaya and Belovezhskaya Pushchas, Mir Castle, Augustow Canal, Braslav Lakes. Photos also show national rites and holidays, industrial and agricultural achievements.

The exhibition housed in the Enav Cultural Center at the Tel Aviv city will stay open until 3 July. Then it will travel around a number of Israeli cities.

In 2014 the trade between Belarus and Israel reached $126.9 million (114.7% to 2013). The Belarusian export reached a record high of $20.9 million (175.3% as against 2013). The import made up $105.9 million.