MINSK, 29 November (BelTA) – Vladimir Makei was held in high esteem in the international arena, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the Republic of Belarus Xie Xiaoyong said as he attended the farewell ceremony for the late Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei in Minsk on 29 November, BelTA has learned.
“I was shocked to learn the news about the sudden death of Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus Vladimir Makei, and I was very saddened by it,” said Xie Xiaoyong.
The ambassador recalled his last meeting with the head of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: “I met with Minister Vladimir Makei just a month ago to discuss the development of relations between China and Belarus. I could not imagine back then that this would be our last meeting.”
“Minister Vladimir Makei was not only a well-known and outstanding political and diplomatic figure in Belarus, but he also enjoyed a great reputation in the international arena. He was also a good friend of the Chinese people. He did a great job and made an important contribution to the development of Belarus-China relations, to bilateral cooperation in various fields and the implementation of the agreements reached by the heads of state,” the Chinese diplomat said.
“The Chinese people will always remember him and honor his memory. China remains committed to promoting China-Belarus friendship and to developing all-weather and all-round strategic partnership for the benefit of the two countries and peoples,” the ambassador added.
