MINSK, 11 January (BelTA) – The year 2017 was a turning point in Belarus-Slovakia cooperation. The statement was made by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Slovakia to Belarus Josef Migas during the reception held in the House of Friendship in Minsk on 11 January to celebrate 25 years of Belarusian-Slovak diplomatic relations, BelTA has learned.
The ambassador said: “The year was indeed very positive. I'd even go as far as saying momentous for cooperation between our countries. The fact that nine very important visits took place speaks volumes. Very constructive contacts between our countries were established.”
Slovak Deputy Prime Minister for Investments and Informatization Peter Pellegrini is expected to visit Belarus in February to discuss further prospects of interaction with Belarus. Apart from that, new bilateral agreements on stepping up contacts in education are expected to be established.
The diplomat drew attention to the importance of the anniversary date in Belarus-Slovakia relations. In his opinion, the Belarusian nation and the Slovak one are connected historically. “It is very important that Belarus and Slovakia are countries with peaceful intentions,” noted Josef Migas.
The ambassador pointed out that as a European Union member Slovakia has always supported Belarus, drawing attention of the partners to the need for constructive cooperation with the country.
The diplomat also touched upon historical aspects of the development of the countries and spoke in favor of preserving historical memory and traditional values.
Josef Migas also said he believes that the Slovak culture and the Belarusian one have a lot in common. “When I study Belarusian now, I see a lot of things, which are similar to the ones in Slovak,” noted the ambassador.
Josef Migas is confident that Belarus and Slovakia should more actively cooperate. “We shouldn't lose time. Let's work together more actively and implement joint projects.”
In turn, Yevgeny Vorobyov, Head of the Europe Department of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, spoke about the importance of Belarus-Slovakia cooperation, which is now 25 years old. He believes the existing bilateral contacts are constructive. “Belarus and Slovakia have great and good prospects for cooperation,” said the official.
Chairman of the Belarus-Slovakia society Mikhail Metlitsky drew attention to the rich cultural component in bilateral cooperation and to the versatility of Slovak culture.
