A solemn event was held on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Belarus and the Holy See

November 11, 2022 marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Belarus and the Holy See.

On the occasion of the memorable date, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, Vladimir Makei, and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican's Secretary for Relations with States and International Organization changed congratulatory letters.

In the letter Minister notes, in particular, close that during this period the countries managed to build a truly strong cooperation based on deep respect. The head of the Belarusian Foreign Ministry also noted significant joint efforts to strengthen regional stability, combat human trafficking, combat violence against children, protect the natural family and traditional family values.

In connection with the anniversary date in the Apostolic Nunciature on November 11, 2022 a gala reception was organized. First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, Sergei Aleinik, and Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop, Ante Jozich, addressed the participants with a welcoming speech.

In his speech, the First Deputy Foreign Minister noted the open and trusting nature of the Belarusian-Vatican relations, the closeness of the positions of the leadership of both countries on the most actual issues, the success of many years of joint work on a wide range of issues both on a bilateral track and on the platforms of international organizations. “The Vatican has always been and remains reliable partner of the Republic of Belarus,” Sergei Aleinik emphasized.

In a solemn atmosphere, the cancellation of a thematic stamp specially prepared for this occasion took place – a joint project of the Vatican Post and Belpochta.

The event was attended by the Commissioner for Religious and Ethnic Affairs Aleksandr Rumak, Deputy Chairman of the Minsk Regional Executive Committee Ivan Markevich, representatives of the diplomatic corps and the clergy, including Metropolitan of the Minsk-Mogilev Archdiocese Archbishop Joseph Stanevsky and Chairman of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of Belarus Oleg Butkevich, Deputy Chairman of the Synodal Information Department of the Belarusian Orthodox Church Archpriest Alexander Shimbalev, Director of the Religious Association of Communities of Progressive Judaism in the Republic of Belarus Mikhail Kemerov.

Until the end of the year, some more events are planned dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the   establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Belarus and the Holy See.

print version