Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 21 December (BelTA) - Minsk has become a symbol of important economic and political dialogue, Belarus’ Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei said at the opening of the European art exhibition titled as From Lisbon via Minsk to Vladivostok on 21 December.

“This art project From Lisbon via Minsk to Vladivostok started in Minsk, in the city that has recently become an iconic venue for international forums and meetings, a symbol of economic and political dialogue. Our exhibition will give the Minsk dialogue a new dimension, a dimension of art,” said Vladimir Makei.

In his words, this project, based on common values and common heritage of the European civilization, simultaneously brings to light a variety of talented artists. “In my opinion, today’s event proves that we can do a lot for our big Europe to become a common and comfortable home where peace and calmness, beauty and confidence in our children’s happy future reign,” the diplomat said.

Vladimir Makei noted that art and creativity can be viewed as the so-called drivers of individual development, social harmony and economic growth. “We take pride in the fact that today we can see here numerous art amateurs who have come to enjoy their meeting with beauty and show their desire to create a common cultural space without dividing lines and borders,” he added.

The unique art project, featuring 30 artworks from 28 European countries, has kicked off at the Art Gallery of Mikhail Savitsky in Minsk.

The exhibition, organized in cooperation with the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Belarusian Embassy in France and Minsk City Hall, is held under the patronage of UNESCO.

One of the authors of the idea, Belarus’ Ambassador to France Pavel Latushko said that the organizers hope to showcase the exhibition in Moscow, Lisbon and Vladivostok. “We are in talks. We will see if we are able to do it in all the cities, or, maybe, some more will be added. However, we have such a dream and plans,” he added.