Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 19 September (BelTA) – The signing of the visa abolition agreement between Belarus and Israel is a milestone in the bilateral relations, Foreign Minister of Belarus Vladimir Makei said as he met with Minister of Immigrant Absorption Sofa Landver on 19 September, BelTA has learned.

The Foreign Minister of Belarus stressed that Belarus and Israel enjoy a high level of mutual understanding and trust. The countries have been steadily developing their all-round relations. As for the forthcoming signing of the intergovernmental agreement to abolish visas, Vladimir Makei said: “We consider it as an important step in the bilateral cooperation and we will see the effect in the near future already.” He noted that today’s meeting would consider a number of matters related to the Belarusian-Israeli cooperation in different areas.

The Minister of Immigrant Absorption stressed for her part that the agreement is of great significance for Israel as well. She emphasized that the issue was voiced by the President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko in his annual State of the Nation Address in 2013.

Sofa Landver praised the efforts of both the parties to prepare this intergovernmental agreement. In her words, a great contribution was made by the Ambassadors of Belarus and Israel.

According to The Minister of Immigrant Absorption, once visas are abolished Israel people, Belarusian natives, will be able to visit one of Europe’ most beautiful cities, Minsk.

She also stressed the common history of Belarus and Israel. Both the Belarusian and Israeli nations suffered a lot during WWII. Many great people of Israel have Belarusian roots. According to the Israeli minister, the Belarusian land is famous for giving the world many talented people.

Sofa Landver said that her family’s roots also come from Belarus and she plans to visit the graves of her relatives.

“We are friendly countries and the signing of the no-visa agreement will change our relations to the better,” she underlined.