The New British Chargé D'Affaires Told Belarusians About Himself

The diplomat asked for recommendations on places worth seeing in our country.

The new British Chargé d'Affaires in Belarus William Longhurst, who took charge of the diplomatic mission in July, introduced himself to Belarusians and asked for recommendations on places worth seeing in the country. The diplomat himself, according to him, speaks seven languages, has lived in eight countries, roots for London’s “Arsenal,” and is particularly fond of Japanese cuisine.

The introductory post, written in Belarusian and English, appeared on the Instagram account of the British Embassy in Belarus.

Longhurst said he was born in 1967 in Chelmsford—a city northeast of London. His father worked as an engineer, and he himself joined the diplomatic service at the Foreign Office in 1990.

“No one in our family had ever worked in government before, let alone abroad. Even now, my mom still wonders from time to time what I actually do,” the diplomat added.

Before coming to Belarus, Longhurst lived and worked in South Korea, Japan, the United States, Serbia, Cambodia, and Switzerland. He speaks Russian, Japanese, Korean, French, Serbian, German, and English, and, according to him, remembers a little Khmer.

The diplomat graduated from the University of Sheffield, where he studied Japanese. His hobbies include tennis, golf, and playing the cello and piano. In addition, Longhurst enjoys cooking and admits that he actively encourages his friends to buy an air fryer. His favorite cuisine is Japanese, especially sushi. When it comes to soccer, the diplomat supports London’s “Arsenal.”

Speaking about his plans in Belarus, Longhurst noted that he would like to get to know Belarusians better and travel around the country.

“So I’d be very grateful for your suggestions—what should I definitely see and try in Belarus?” he wrote.

In the comments, users have already begun suggesting options: among the recommendations are the Belarusian State Museum of Folk Architecture and Life in Ozerce, the “Berestye” Archaeological Museum in Brest, the “Sula” Park-Museum, Soligorsk, and Bobruisk.

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