Belarusian People’s Congress

Belarusian and Russian languages viewed as national treasure

MINSK, 11 February (BelTA) – The Belarusian and Russian languages will always be our national treasure, Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he addressed the 6th Belarusian People's Congress in Minsk on 11 February, BelTA has learned.

Works by Belarusian classics and works of our folk culture that reflect important stages of the historical path of Belarusians, should be embedded in modern projects, especially those targeting the youth, Aleksandr Lukashenko believes. This is essential for preserving our identity and sovereignty, this is the the core of the understanding of our historical right to live on this land, he added.

“We, Belarusians, have lived here for thousands of years. True, most of our history we were part of foreign states, lived with various nations. Out tolerance, friendliness, and kind attitude to other traditions and beliefs have roots in this experience. Our unique culture borrowed many elements, they enriched us culturally and spiritually. We have two native languages: Belarusian and Russian,” the head of state stressed.

The two cultures have been connected since ancient times, so Belarusians should not renounce that part that is ‘filled with our, Belarusian spirit’. “This is why the Belarusian and Russian languages will always be our national treasure. We will not pressure or persecute people for speaking the Russian language,” Aleksandr Lukashenko noted.

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