News & Events in Belarus

MINSK, 14 July (BelTA) - Belarus is becoming the center of international political and cultural dialogue, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said when speaking at the closing ceremony of the 24th International Festival of Arts Slavonic Bazaar in Vitebsk on 13 July, BelTA has learned.

The Vitebsk arts festival is acquiring special importance in the matter of promoting peace and understanding among nations and peoples. "Many decades ago we determined this as the main objective. Who would have thought back then that we would be so relevant in our Slavic world today? Therefore, we call for peace, peace and peace once again!” the head of state said

Alexander Lukashenko recalled that this year 42 countries took part in the Slavonic Bazaar in Vitebsk, which was a record high for the festival. "Never in history have we seen anything like this. Believe me, we would love to host 142 states here, on this peaceful land. We have everything for this. Our Belarus is confidently becoming the center of not only political but also cultural international dialogue,” the President stressed.

The head of state pointed out that the geographical center of Europe is located near Vitebsk. "We should take a good care of this ancient, advanced European civilization. Being in the heart of Europe, it is we who are responsible for this civilization,” said the Belarusian leader. The Board of Directors of the World Association of Festivals elected the Director of the Slavonic Bazaar as its head. According to the President, this is another evidence of this. Alexander Lukashenko also supported the initiative to deploy the headquarters of the World Association of Festivals in Vitebsk.

The Slavonic Bazaar in Vitebsk is called the summer cultural Olympiad. "It has already won the reputation of the place where musicians, artists and art lovers get acquainted with new trends and artistic innovations from all corners of the globe. Here people realize how many things we have in common and how much we need peace,” the head of state noted.

According to the President, this year’s festival will be long remembered for the richness of ideas, joy of communication and an extremely varied program. Alexander Lukashenko congratulated the fans of the festival on the new name on the Walk of Fame. "Our Walk of Fame combines the idols of different generations and serves as a symbol of cultural continuity. Today it has had one more star: it is dedicated to the outstanding performer, composer and a good man Polad Bulbuloglu. Let this project have new names year after year and may our Walk of Fame turn into the Square of Fame,” the head of state wished.

Alexander Lukashenko addressed the warmest congratulations to the winners and prize holders of the song contests. "Let the success at such a prestigious event will be an important stepping stone towards wider recognition for each of you. I hope that one day your names will adorn this beautiful Walk of Fame," the President said addressing the winners.

Large-scale artistic projects, contests play a crucial role in strengthening the friendship between peoples. They help people of different ethnicities and cultures to understand each other better. They say when the cannons are silent, the muses are heard. We would like it to be true,” summed up the President.