MINSK, 20 December (BelTA) – Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei and his spouse met with heads of diplomatic missions and representatives of international organizations accredited in Belarus as well as their spouses on the occasion of New Year and Christmas holidays on 20 December, BelTA has learned.
This traditional meeting gives the diplomatic corps an opportunity to learn more Belarus outside the diplomatic realm. This year the participants of the event immersed into the atmosphere of beauty, grace and sport by visiting the Rhythmic Gymnastics Olympic Training Center that nurtures future Belarusian champions.
Addressing the attendees, Vladimir Makei emphasized that sport was chosen as a theme for this meeting for a reason. Belarus will be the venue of numerous international sports events next year. The country is gearing up to host an important sports and cultural event – the 2nd European Games.
According to the minister, a lot has already been done to make foreign visitors feel comfortable in Belarus. The country offered a visa waiver for national delegations and fans and will introduce exemptions from payments on some parts of toll roads and other preferences agreed with Head of the National Olympic Committee, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko.
Reviewing results of the outgoing year, the foreign minister emphasized that the year ‘yielded' a lot of visits at the high and highest levels and important international events. According to the minister, all the achievements and results of the year would never be possible without direct participation and support of foreign partners and friends.
Vladimir Makei wished the attendees Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and wished peace, accord and prosperity to their countries.
Welcome addresses were also delivered by Chairwoman of the Belarusian Gymnastics Association Elena Skripel and Deputy Chairwoman of the Belarusian Gymnastics Association, chief coach of Belarus' national rhythmic gymnastics team Irina Leparskaya.
The foreign diplomats noted that the gathering was interesting and educational, in particular, in view of the forthcoming 2nd European Games.
