MINSK, 17 January (BelTA) – A ceremony to present lapel badges of the Belarusian diplomatic service was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus for the first time, BelTA has learned. 

The lapel badges, as well as the official heraldic symbols, the professional holiday and the special uniform of Belarusian diplomats were instituted in October 2018 by the presidential decree with a view to preserving and promoting the traditions of Belarusian diplomacy and enhancing the prestige of the Belarusian diplomatic service. These lapel badges are presented to all employees of the foreign ministry in the run-up to the 100th anniversary of the Belarusian diplomatic service that will be marked on 22 January. 

Taking part in the solemn ceremony at the foreign ministry was Belarusian First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrei Yeudachenka. He noted that diplomats hold a special place in the public service system. Over its 100 years of history, the diplomatic service has developed certain traditions and worked out certain requirements to members of the diplomatic corps. Exceptional professionalism, impeccable reputation and devotion to the Motherland, patriotism are the qualities every Belarusian diplomat should possess, he noted. 

Attending the event were various generations of diplomats. Among them was member of the Association of Veterans of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and former Belarusian ambassador Nikolai Patskevich. He told reporters that the adoption of the heraldic symbols was welcomed by acting diplomats and veterans of the diplomatic service.