On August 3, 2020, a prominent scientist, the first Director of the Regional office of the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) for Eastern Europe, Honorary President of the OIE Commission in Europe, Nikola Belev, has passed away.

The name of Professor Belev is highly valued worldwide due to his great achievements and successful work in veterinary world. His contribution to the development and establishment of the prestige of the World Organization for Animal Health in the global community is extraordinary. As Director of the OIE Regional Office for Eastern Europe, Prof. Nikola Belev became one of the main initiators and implementers of the idea of close cooperation and interaction between Eastern and Western countries.

In 1988, Nikola Belev was appointed as a Member of the Administrative Commission and President of the OIE Regional Commission for Europe, and in 1991 as a Coordinator of the OIE Member States for Eastern Europe. During the General Session of the OIE in May 2012, taking into account the great merits of Professor Belev, he was elected as Honorary President of the OIE Regional Commission for Europe.

Prof. Nikola Belev has made a significant contribution to the beginning and formation of the veterinary service of independent Ukraine, as well as its recognition by the world veterinary community.

The State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection expresses its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Nikola Belev.