Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 11 February (BelTA) – A book is not only a source of knowledge. It can bring countries and nations closer to each other, Belarus’ Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei told media as he attended the 23^rd Minsk International Book Fair on 11 February, BelTA informs.

Vladimir Makei stressed that books are one of the main and most interesting presents for diplomats. “It is not just a present for the sake of a present. It is a well-thought gift because reading a book about a country helps a person take a new look at this country and its people. We actively use this instrument for bringing Belarus and other countries closer to each other,” the minister said.

Belarus publishes a lot of books that tell the history of the state. They are translated into foreign languages. Such books are popular and interesting for readers, Vladimir Makei noted.

When asked about his private collection of books, Vladimir Makei said that it is very large, but some of the books, unfortunately, collect dust in boxes because there is no space to put them. Vladimir Makei said he likes history books, and the books about international politics. On his desk the Minister for Foreign Affairs keeps Strategic Vision in English and The German Card. He also enjoys Belarusian literature. One of his favorites is The Ears of Rye under Thy Sickle by Vladimir Korotkevich.

Vladimir Makei has no plans to write memoirs. The minister believes that a memoir can be written by people of such caliber as Soviet diplomat and statesman Andrei Gromyko. By the way, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs received a screenplay for a feature movie about Andrei Gromyko, a native of Belarus. Vladimir Makei noted that so far the screenplay needs some adjustments and expressed hope that the comments will be taken into account.