Maxim Ryzhenkov
MINSK, 19 February (BelTA) – A literary evening dedicated to the International Mother Language Day and the Year of the Belarusian Woman took place at the Loshitsa historical and cultural complex, BelTA has learned.
The event gathered representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Belarus, as well as members of the National Commission for UNESCO. In total, the festive evening brought together more than 100 guests from 30 countries.
As part of the literary program, the heads of diplomatic missions from India, China, Kyrgyzstan, the United Arab Emirates, Serbia, Slovakia, Türkiye, Uzbekistan, the United Kingdom, Israel and Syria recited works by outstanding Belarusian authors dedicated to woman, mother and homeland.
Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov delivered a welcome address to the participants in Belarusian. He noted that the International Mother Language Day, established on the initiative of UNESCO, reminds us of the value and uniqueness of every language, its role in preserving cultural heritage and shaping national identity.
“Over many years, it has become a good tradition for the Foreign Ministry and foreign diplomats to gather together for Mother Language Day to honor our mother tongue and to share love for Belarusian culture and poetry,” Maxim Ryzhenkov noted. “This year our meeting takes place at the Loshitsa historical and cultural complex, which opened literally at the end of last year. Here we can immerse ourselves in Belarus’ rich cultural heritage, experience the spirit of history and the beauty of age-old folk traditions.”
The foreign minister hailed the participation of diplomats in the literary evening as a testament to their unwavering respect for Belarusian culture. He expressed special gratitude to the heads of diplomatic missions who agreed to recite works by Belarusian poets and writers.
“As already noted, 2026 has been declared the Year of the Belarusian Woman on the initiative of the head of state. This step emphasizes the distinctive role of women in the life of our society and state, their decisive influence on preserving traditions and educating future generations,” Maxim Ryzhenkov emphasized.
The head of the foreign policy agency recalled that Belarus has historically developed a respectful and organic coexistence of two state languages: Belarusian and Russian. “For our society, bilingualism is not a subject of dispute, but a natural part of everyday life and cultural development. Both languages are freely spoken in families, schools, universities, in the media, and are used in the work of state institutions. They do not compete, but harmoniously complement each other, reflecting the rich historical path of our country and strengthening public harmony,” he noted.
One of those who recited works by Belarusian writers was Charge d’Affaires of the United Kingdom in Belarus David Ward. When deciding which poem to choose, he turned to colleagues who know Russian and Belarusian. They suggested that David Ward recite a poem about Euphrosyne of Polotsk.
“I have spent about a week preparing, though not every day. I was trying to get the rhythm and pronunciation right... It’s poetry, so the rhythm really matters,” the diplomat told journalists. “I’m only just starting to learn Belarusian. I can tell you that for an English speaker, it’s harder than, say, German. But Belarusian is part of the Indo-European family, so it seems to me that it is easier to learn than Chinese or Japanese.”
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Serbia to Belarus Ilina Vukajlović also recited a poem in Belarusian. She noted that the Belarusian and Serbian languages are somewhat similar. “Belarusian, Russian and Serbian are practically the same. We feel at home here because we understand your language well. It gives a feeling of comfort and tranquility,” the ambassador said.
Speaking about the Year of the Belarusian Woman, Ilina Vukajlović noted that Belarusian women excel in many areas. “You have the first female cosmonaut. Your women are excellent doctors, diplomats, journalists. They excel in even the most demanding and most responsible roles,” the diplomat believes.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Türkiye to Belarus Güçlü Cem Işık, who also recited a poem in Belarusian, admitted that it was not so easy for him. “Our languages are completely different, so I needed to practice. Luckily, I pulled it off. It did take a while, though,” he said.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Venezuela to Belarus Franklin Ramírez Araque came to the literary evening to listen to Belarusian poems recited by his colleagues: “Your language is quite new for me, although I do hear it in daily life. For example, in your national anthem. My children also go to a Belarusian school, so they have picked up some words.”
Photos by Tatyana Matusevich/BelTA
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