Lukashevich: Belarusian Friendship Society implements important international projects

MINSK, 14 April (BelTA) - The Belarusian Society of Friendship and Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries is implementing important international projects and initiatives, Belarus’ First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Lukashevich said at an official event to mark the 100th anniversary of the Society held at the House of Friendship on 14 April, BelTA has learned.

He stressed: “The head of our state has very rightly noted that for Belarus there are no unfriendly peoples or unimportant countries. We are open to all who come to us with peace and with a desire to develop an equal and mutually respectful dialogue.”

“The Belarusian Society of Friendship is a long-standing and reliable partner of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, which makes a significant contribution to expanding contacts, strengthening trust and good-neighborliness between countries and peoples, and promoting Belarusian culture abroad. Thanks to the efforts of the Society, many international projects and initiatives are being implemented, which is especially important in today’s conditions. Existing ties between twinned cities are being strengthened, and new ones are being established,” Sergei Lukashevich noted.

Ahead of the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident, the first deputy minister highlighted the tremendous efforts of the Belarusian Friendship Society in implementing international humanitarian programs, including organizing recuperation programs for children from affected regions.

Sergei Lukashevich wished the Society continued support from reliable partners and true, dedicated friends on its challenging but extremely important path of people’s diplomacy.

He presented Nina Ivanova, who has headed the Belarusian Society of Friendship and Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries for more than 30 years, with the Partnership badge of distinction of the diplomatic service for her personal contribution to the development of international humanitarian ties and her long-standing work to promote Belarusian culture abroad.

Photos by Andrei Sinyavsky/ BelTA