Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 21 August (BelTA) – The congress of Slavists is a good opportunity to demonstrate the success of Belarusian science at the international level. The statement was made by Belarusian Culture Minister Boris Svetlov at the opening of the 15^th International Congress of Slavists in Minsk on 21 August, BelTA has learned.

“The fact that Belarus hosts such a prestigious scientific forum indicates the high appreciation of our country and represents an opportunity to demonstrate the success of science and culture at the international level,” said Boris Svetlov.

It is symbolical that Minsk had hosted the celebration of the 1025^th anniversary of the Baptism of Kievan Rus prior to the Congress. “This spiritual action confirmed the significant role that Slavonic nations have been playing and play in the history of the mankind and in the modern world,” said the Culture Minister. A Belarusian Written Language Day will be held in Belarus after the Congress.

“We have something to be proud of, things out of the Slavonic culture legacy to show the world. The National Library of Belarus is a treasury of knowledge. Belarusian museums feature unique exhibits of international importance. Belarusian theaters stage the best masterpieces of classists. The history, culture, and spirit of the Belarusian nation are enciphered in folk arts. All these factors together with centuries of written language and education traditions represent the components that allow Belarusians to stand as equals alongside all the Slavonic nations,” remarked Boris Svetlov.

The International Congress of Slavists takes place in Belarus on 20-27 August. It has gathered over 600 scientists from 35 countries, including Austria, Australia, Belgium, Belarus, Bulgaria, Germany, Israel, Italy, Spain, Canada, Lithuania, Russia, France, Switzerland, and Japan. The official opening of the Congress took place in the concert hall Minsk on 21 August. The bulk of the scientific events will take place in the Minsk State Linguistic University on 22-26 August. They will feature plenary and panel reports, roundtable sessions, sessions of special commissions accredited with the International Slavists Committee. Alongside the Congress an exhibition of Slavist literature published in various countries over the last five years will be held in the Minsk State Linguistic University. The exhibition will be opened on 22 August.

An international congress of Slavists is a major scientific forum focused on the development of Slavonic languages, literatures, and cultures in their interaction. The forum has been held in Slavonic countries every five years since 1929.