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15 December 2022, 18:05

Aleinik describes Belarus-Vatican cooperation as successful

Sergei Aleinik. An archive photo
Sergei Aleinik. An archive photo

MINSK, 15 December (BelTA) – Belarus and the Vatican have built efficient cooperation in various areas, but much has still to be done, reads the address of Belarus' Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Aleinik that was read out by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Yuri Ambrazevich at the presentation of the first translation from Latin into Belarusian of the Code of Canon Law. The presentation was held in a solemn ceremony at the National Library, BelTA has learned.

The foreign minister highlighted the importance of the time and place of the presentation. After all, 2022 marks the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Belarus and the Holy See, the 100th anniversary of the founding of the National Library of Belarus, the 500th anniversary of the Belarusian language publication of the first printed prayer book for the laity - Francysk Skaryna's Malaya Padarozhnaya Knizhytsa (The Little Travel Book) and the 1,030th anniversary of the first Christian diocese on Belarusian soil. In addition, 500 years ago, a native of Belarus, Nikolai Gusovsky, wrote the Latin poem Song of the Bison for Pope Leo X. “Today we are attending the presentation of the translation from Latin into Belarusian of the book of the Code of Canon Law. I want to emphasize that this is a significant event for the Belarus-Vatican relations, and for the Roman Catholic Church in Belarus and our country as a whole,” the address reads.

"Relations between Minsk and the Vatican are based on strong traditions, respect, trust, understanding and openness. We have built successful cooperation in various areas. First of all, this applies to confidence- and security building measures in the region and the world. Our leaders have repeatedly expressed similar positions on this matter,” Sergei Aleinik wrote in his address. “Minsk and the Apostolic capital have already done a lot in this direction. Unfortunately, as the reality shows, there is still a lot of work to be done to achieve the much-needed result for all of us."

As an example of traditional joint initiatives, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the fight against human trafficking, countering violence against children, protecting traditional family values, and cooperation in humanitarian matters. "Our long-term joint activities in all these areas have yielded tangible positive results. Our positions also coincide on the need to provide ample opportunities for education, including in the spiritual area," the minister wrote in his address.

Belarus attaches particular importance to interfaith dialogue in cooperation with the Holy See and the Roman Catholic Church and is ready to develop this fruitful cooperation in the spirit of respect and mutual understanding.

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