News & Events in Belarus

“Their contribution (small and medium-sized states. – BelTA’s note) in the sustainable development and promotion of peace in their regions cannot not be overestimated,” the Belarusian head of state said.

“Therefore, it is very important that the words ‘peace’, ‘security’, ‘development’ are the motto of the today’s conference. It is a good choice. They should also be the main beacons of our joint efforts in the future,” the Belarusian leader said.

“I am convinced that the initiative of the Turkmenistan leadership to hold this event which will make a big contribution to the maintenance of peace and stability on Earth will be praised in history,” the President of Belarus said.

Alexander Lukashenko noted that the Belarusian side accepted the initiation of the Turkmenistan President to take part in the conference dedicated to the 20^th anniversary of acquiring the status of permanent neutrality with great pleasure.

“This is a truly landmark event. First, it is because our states and nations maintain friendly, I would even say, fraternal relations. What is important for our friends is important for us,” the Belarusian leader said. “Second, we sincerely praise the achievements that the leadership and people of Turkmenistan have made during the recent years of independence on the way of neutrality. Third, and this is the main thing, the topic of the today’s conference is, so to say, very urgent, it is important not only for Turkmenistan, but also for the entire region and the world.”

“Looking in the past, we can say that immediately after the collapse of the Soviet Union all post-Soviet republics faced a very difficult choice of what they should do next. There was havoc in the economy, chaos and anarchy in politics. People starved and were poor. We had to deal with such a number of tasks which would be enough for several generations. Our countries faced a number to truly momentous challenges: the need to carry out serous economic transformations, build their own statehood, and gain a foothold in the international arena,” the Belarusian head of state noted.

“We faced not only the choice of a path for development but also had to determine our fate. Twenty years ago Turkmenistan took, as it seemed, a fateful decision. The country decided to choose the path of neutrality,” the Belarusian leader said. He stressed that Belarus respected this step and not just supported the special resolution of the UN General Assembly on the issue but also co-authored the document.

“Perhaps, the wisdom and foresight of the Turkmen people and also the God’s blessing helped Turkmenistan find that optimal unique idea that secured the country’s consistent and sustainable development, its unconditional recognition in the international arena. The last two decades has been the best testimony to this wise and right strategic choice of our Turkmen friends. Turkmenistan has not just made great success in the construction of a sovereign and prosperous state. The country has been rapidly developing today. You are doing your best in keeping peace not only in Turkmenistan but also in the entire region. As a result, thousands of refugees from the conflict areas once found their new home on the Turkmen peaceful land,” the President of Belarus said.

“You do not want to join anyone. At the same time you do not want to hamper anyone. You want to live in peace on your land and build happiness for your people. You do not create any problems to your neighbors,” the Belarusian leader said.

Alexander Lukashenko emphasized the huge social support that Turkmenistan provides to its people, strengthening their faith in their future and the future of their country. “This is the ideal development model for a state and we all should strive for it. This is the ensuring of the true human rights, which is a favorite talk of some of our partners today,” the President of Belarus stressed.

In his words, Belarus’ domestic policy is also aimed at the development of an efficient national economy, decent living standards for its people, evolutionary transformation and the preservation of its social responsibility.

Alexander Lukashenko congratulated the Turkmen people and the President of Turkmenistan on the 20^th anniversary of the country’s neutrality. “It is an event of huge historic significance for the Turkmen state. From its very first days of independence, the country has defended the high ideals of goodness, humanism and creation. Let this year, declared the Year of Neutrality and Peace in Turkmenistan, become a starting point for many decades of peace and prosperity not only for the hospitable Turkmen land but also for the whole planet,” the President of Belarus wished.