Visit to Vatican, Italy, Sovereign Military Order of Malta

A one-on-one meeting between Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko and Pope of Rome Benedict XVI took place in the Papal Library of the Apostolic Palace.

While greeting Pope Benedict XVI, Aleksandr Lukashenko said it was a great pleasure for him to meet the Pope. “Our meeting is long overdue. But finally we have met,” he said.

The President of Belarus arrived to the Court of Honour in the Apostolic Palace of Vatican where he was welcomed by Prefect of the Holy See and given a Guard of Honour. Accompanied by the Prefect, Aleksandr Lukashenko entered the Apostolic Palace. On the way to the Papal Library the Belarusian official delegation went through an enfilade of eleven rooms. At the entry to the library, in the Small Throne Room, the President was welcomed by the Pope. The Belarusian President and the Pontiff exchanged greetings and proceeded to the library for a one-on-one meeting.

During the visit the head of state also met with Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi of Italy and Grand Master of the Order of Malta Fra Matthew Festing.