Events

MINSK, 13 January (BelTA) – Minsk will host the first conference of honorary consuls in 2017, spokesman for the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dmitry Mironchik told reporters on 13 January.

He said that the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs employs a wide range of diplomatic instruments to promote Belarus’ political and economic interests abroad. Honorary consulates represent one of such tools. The responsibilities of an honorary consul include to advance Belarus’ relations with his country of accreditation in all areas. “The title of honorary consul can be given to persons holding a respected position in the public, economic, cultural and other areas of life in the country of residence, have the necessary personal traits, and are able to effectively perform the functions they are entrusted with,” Dmitry Mironchik explained.

He said that honorary consuls represent Belarus’ interests in 53 countries today. A total of 27 honorary consuls of foreign countries are currently accredited to Belarus.

To step up the cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the honorary consuls of foreign countries, Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei will hold a working meeting with members of the Association of Honorary Consuls on 13 January. The association was established in Belarus in 2014.