MINSK, 5 February (BelTA) - Belarus' road to sovereignty was long and difficult, as was it for Lithuania, Poland and the United States of America. Over the centuries, the nations lived through the times of both prosperity and hardship, Belarus' Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei said as he attended a function to mark the 274th anniversary of Tadeusz Kosciuszko on 4 February. The event was organized by the embassies of Poland and the United States, BelTA has learned.
“Our countries are interested in maintaining international security and stability, in the quickest normalization of the situation in the region, in finding new forms and ways to combat global threats and challenges,” said Vladimir Makei.
He said: “Belarus, Lithuania, Poland and the United States belong to different economic, political and military blocs. We, however, need to remain partners. We have no other alternative. Today I would like to emphasize that in our relations with the neighboring states, Lithuania and Poland, and also the United States, we focus on our mutual intention to move forward.” The Belarusian minister of foreign affairs viewed it as symbolic that Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Linas Linkevicius was present at the event and expressed confidence that his visit would open a new quality page in the Belarusian-Lithuanian relations.
In his speech, the Lithuanian minister of foreign affairs spoke about the importance of Tadeusz Kosciuszko's role in the history of different countries.
In turn, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Poland to Belarus Artur Michalski touched upon the personality of Tadeusz Kosciuszko, whom many states are grateful for the struggle for independence. The Polish diplomat called him a hero for many countries, including for Poland.
Charge d'Affaires of the USA in Belarus Jenifer Moore also stressed the importance of the event to celebrate Tadeusz Kosciuszko.
Video addresses were also offered by U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and Poland's Minister of Foreign Affairs Jacek Czaputowicz who emphasized the significance of Tadeusz Kosciuszko's role in the history of many countries.
Photos by Maksim Guchek
