OREANDA-NEWS. February 10, 2009. An agreement on the establishment of diplomatic relations between Belarus and San Marino was signed in Rome on February 9.

The agreement was signed by Yevgeny Shestakov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to Italy, and Barbara Para, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of San Marino to Italy.

In line with the terms of the agreement, it will take effect upon the completion of the due domestic procedures in each country. “Belarus has completed the domestic procedures. As for San Marino, the Grand and General Council (the parliament of the country) has to ratify the agreement,” the diplomatic mission explained.

San Marino is one of the smallest countries in Europe with a total area of only 61 sq km and population of about 28,000 people.

San Marino is also the oldest sovereign state and constitutional republic in the world with one of the oldest constitutions currently in force: the Republic of San Marino was founded on September 3, 301, and the Constitution in effect was enacted in 1600.