MINSK, 26 May (BelTA) - Belarus is proud of the fact that a number of Belarus natives stood at the origins of Israeli statehood, Belarusian First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Aleinik said at an event on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Belarus and Israel at the House of Friendship in Minsk, BelTA has learned.
"Today is a special day for Belarus and Israel - the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations," Sergei Aleinik said. “Belarus and Israel have maintained traditionally friendly, warm and open relations. Closely intertwined human destinies and cultures in historical retrospect is a solid foundation for the friendship and partnership between the countries."
"It is difficult to find another country in the far abroad as Israel where a whole galaxy of our compatriots had played an outstanding role in public administration, the development of science, economy, art - up to the revival of the Hebrew language. Belarus is proud of the fact that a number of Belarus natives stood at the origins of Israeli statehood, signed the Declaration of Independence of Israel and contributed to its formation and development," Sergei Aleinik emphasized.
Here is what the ninth president of Israe Shimon Peres, a native of the Belarusian Vishnevo, wrote in the biography of the first president of Israel Chaim Weizmann, a native of the town of Motol: "Israel was born in Belarus. Most of our great figures, writers and artists began their lives in the Belarusian cradle. From small villages came great dreamers and great leaders. We thank you for that.”