Mr. Latushko was welcomed by the Head of the Association of Musketeers — Aymeri de Montesquiou d’Artagnan who is a French senator and a deputy of the European Parliament. The Musketeers of the Guard were founded in France by King Louis XIII in 1622 and existed until 1815. The Association renewed the tradition of the Musketeer title awarding in 1951. Mr. Latushko informed its members on Belarus’ economic and tourist potential, while screening a film about our country. The presentation attracted politicians, heads of the region and the city, representatives of the business elite, lawyers, figures of culture, diplomats and members of famous French families.
During the meeting, the Belarusian Ambassador was awarded a title of the Honorary Member of the Association of Musketeers — receiving the corresponding sign and diploma. The ceremony was hosted by a historical palace built upon the order of Emperor Napoleon II.
Belarus became the 51st country-member of the Association which now unites around 4,000 participants. The post-Soviet space is represented by Russia and Kazakhstan.
Apart from Mr. Latushko, the title was awarded to ambassadors of the UK, Russia, the USA, Japan and some other countries accredited in France. In the past, the title also went to the Director-General of UNESCO — Irina Bokova, the former Director-General of UNESCO — Koichiro Matsuura, as well as famous Russian actors — Mikhail Boyarsky, Veniamin Smekhov, Valentin Smirtinsky and Oleg Tabakov.
In his speech, Aymeri de Montesquiou d’Artagnan highly appreciated the Belarusian nation’s contribution to the victory in WWII, paying special attention to the partisan movement on the territory of the Republic. He stressed that he had visited Belarus in the past, sharing his positive views of the country.
By Mikhail Vetrov
