MINSK, 29 November (BelTA) – The demise of Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus Vladimir Makei is a big loss for the public and the state, Mufti Abu-Bekir Shabanovich, Chairman of the Muslim Association of Belarus, told reporters, BelTA has learned.
Abu-Bekir Shabanovich noted that the Minsk Cathedral Mosque is the center of Islam in Belarus. It is visited almost daily by foreign delegations from the Middle East. Due to this, the Muslim community has established close cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus, including with its head Vladimir Makei.
“We have known each other for a long time since he was appointed head of the Belarus President Administration. He contributed to many projects that helped to bring our country closer to the Islamic world, primarily to the Arab world,” the mufti said. “Of course, this is a great loss for all of us, for all citizens of the republic, for our state,” he added.
Abu-Bekir Shabanovich expressed hope that Belarus would continue its active international policy and relations with foreign countries, including the Islamic world.
