He said that "the tragic death of the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus came as a surprise to everyone, he was a true patriot and a sincere friend of Russia," reports TASS.

Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov visited the Embassy of Belarus in Moscow and left a note in the book of condolences in memory of his Belarusian colleague who died on November 26.

"The tragic reason for visiting the embassy of the Republic of Belarus is the untimely, completely unexpected death of Vladimir Makei, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, an excellent diplomat, a statesman, a true patriot of his homeland and a great, sincere friend of our country," Lavrov said.

The head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus, Vladimir Makei, died suddenly on Saturday, November 26, at the age of 65.

Officially, the circumstances and causes of death have not been reported to this day.

Lavrov was supposed to arrive in Minsk with a visit on November 27, but due to the death of Makei, the visit was canceled.

The farewell ceremony was held in the Minsk Officers' House, attended by Alexander Lukashenko.

Vladimir Makei was buried at the Eastern Cemetery in Minsk.