China’s Ambassador on what he would take with him from Belarus
The period of work in Belarus will be a wonderful and unforgettable memory in my life – as noted by Xie Xiaoyong, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Belarus, in connection with the completion of his diplomatic mission in our country, BelTA reports
“Over the past four years, I have visited many places in Belarus, fully admired its centuries-old history, tolerant culture and magnificent landscapes, met many friends, personally participated and witnessed the achievements of Chinese-Belarusian relations and co-operation in various fields, and also deeply felt the enormous potential for the continuous development of the all-weather and comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Belarus,” the Ambassador said.
“As for Belarusian souvenirs, I’ll tell you a secret: I have bought a lot of Belarusian souvenirs, including a painting with a bison, a still-life with cornflowers, a postcard with a picture of a white stork,” Xie Xiaoyong said.
“Of course, my favourite is linen products. Linen goods as a traditional national souvenir from Belarus are enjoyed by many Chinese tourists for their simple and refined style, as well as excellent quality,” he added.
The Ambassador explained that he especially likes linen products as Belarusian souvenirs for several reasons, “Firstly, flax – as a favourite material for making clothes of the Belarusian people since ancient times – symbolises to a certain extent the peculiar features of Belarusians: hard work, perseverance and spiritual purity. Secondly, whenever I see linen products, I involuntarily recall the beautiful images of the endless fields of Belarus and especially the green fields of flax. Thirdly, Belarusian linen products are still a product of friendly co-operation between China and Belarus.”
The diplomat drew attention to the fact that Belarus’ largest flax processing plant – the Orsha Linen Mill – has completed modernisation using equipment, technologies and financing of the Harbin Linen Factory of China, thus becoming the world’s largest enterprise for the production of linen textiles.
“Five decades ago, it was the Orsha Linen Mill that contributed to the construction of the first and largest Harbin Linen Factory in China. This touching example of mutual learning and mutual assistance perfectly illustrates the meaning of the Belarusian proverb which says that friendship and brotherhood are the greatest wealth,” Xie Xiaoyong said.
“We can say that linen products demonstrate the cultural characteristics of Belarus, while also reflecting the friendly exchanges and co-operation between China and Belarus, which is of great memorable importance to me,” the Ambassador summarised.
