13 Mar 2023 11:37

Pontiff's stance close to that of Minsk - Lukashenko

MINSK. March 13 (Interfax) - Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has congratulated Pope Francis on the tenth anniversary of his enthronement and noted the proximity of his stance to the one of the head of the Roman Catholic Church.

"We see eye-to-eye on many issues. First of all, the need for a sincere search for peace in Ukraine and every effort towards its achievement to be taken by both political leaders and average citizens. Secondly, the need for a profound reconsideration of the current relations in global politics," the presidential press service quoted Lukashenko a saying.

The world stands for brotherly relations based on forgiveness, unity and reconciliation rather than oppression, takeover or pushing of one's ideas, he said.

"This is one of the messages Belarus relies upon during the declared Year of Peace and Creation," Lukashenko said.

The Belarusian president regretted the unwillingness of certain parties to hear and listen to one another, negotiate and cooperate.

"For years, we have been trying to explain to the West the futility of pressure on Belarus and the importance of dialogue based on mutual respect, traditions, values and national interests of every country," he said.