Credentials were presented to the head of state by diplomats from the Vatican, Vietnam, Mali, the Order of Malta, Niger, Slovakia, Sudan, and Ethiopia.

Addressing the diplomats, the president assured that Belarus always welcomes those, who are intent on reinforcing the bridges of friendship, those, who respect the nation and the sovereignty of Belarus.

He stressed that representatives of 130 ethnicities and 25 confessions live in peace and accord in Belarus: «Thanks to the policy of public unity that we pursue and deep traditions we have no conflicts based on ethnic and religious grounds. We treasure it and are proud of it.»

Following the established tradition, Aleksandr Lukashenko also made a few comments about cooperation with each country the ambassadors represent.

Photo: BelTA