A solemn event dedicated to the 500th anniversary of the Belarusian and East Slavic printing took place in the Nazarbaev Center in Astana, on December 26th.

The multi-vector dialogue between Belarus and Kazakhstan is lasting for a quarter of a century - this year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between friendly countries. For this long period, close cooperation in many areas, including cultural and humanitarian ones, has been established.

The event dedicated to the 500 years of the Belarusian book-printing was organized with the participation of the Embassy of the Republic of Belarus to the Republic of Kazakhstan within the framework of the Library Leader of the Nation’s international project Dialogue Through Culture.

During the celebration the ceremony of a facsimile Book Heritage of Francysk Skaryna donating to the Library Leader of the Nation took place.

In his welcome speech, Anatoly Nichkasov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to the Republic of Kazakhstan, told about the events held in Belarus in 2017 on the occasion of the celebration of the 500 years of the Belarusian book-printing. He particularly noted the National Library of Belarus contribution in the cultural and educational activities, development of the national language, organization of events dedicated to the anniversary date.

Amerkhan Rakhimzhanov, the deputy director of the library, expressed his gratitude for this invaluable gift "which honourably characterizes the full cooperation and mutual understanding between our countries and peoples".

Peter Lapo, the general manager of the Nazarbayev University’s Library, made a presentation about the 500 years of the Belarusian book-printing. In his speech he noted the importance of preserving the national cultural heritage and careful attitude to the history of his state, told about the personality of Francysk Skaryna and his role in the formation and development of the Belarusian language.

The event was attended by the heads of diplomatic missions of foreign countries accredited in Kazakhstan, scientists- bibliographers, representatives of business circles, creative intellectuals, the Belarusian diaspora, media and students.

The facsimile Book Heritage of Francysk Skaryna will present to Kazakhstan residents a valuable collection of Belarusian history and culture, based on the book heritage of the famous printer and humanist. The project on its return and reconstruction was realized by the National Library of Belarus and the BelVEB bank for five years (2013-2017). Today the multivolume edition adorns the collections of the largest cultural institutions in many countries and opens the blue-eyed original Belarus to their residents.

See also:

Book Heritage of Francysk Skaryna to Be Donated to the Library Leader of the Nation

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