Press releases

Gifts from Putin, Xi Jinping and Trump on display in “Geography of Friendship” exhibition

MINSK, 26 June (BelTA) – A unique exhibition titled “Geography of Friendship” has opened at the Palace of Independence in Minsk, timed to coincide with the upcoming main national holiday, Independence Day, BelTA has learned.

The Palace of Independence, as is well known, is the center of Belarus’ political life, hosting the most important state events with the participation of the president, as well as international meetings and summits. But for several years now, the palace has also served as an important cultural venue, providing a setting for thematic exhibitions and guided tours. It is also the president’s “treasure chamber,” where gifts presented to Aleksandr Lukashenko during his foreign visits and domestic working trips are kept.

Particular interest among visitors to the Palace of Independence is generated by gifts from heads of state, and not only for their artistic merit. Each object also conveys its own diplomatic message. The “Geography of Friendship” exhibition, housed in the Hall of Ceremonial Events, offers a glimpse into diplomatic relations through material mementos of meetings and negotiations, revealing how traditions of hospitality and respect are embodied in commemorative gifts.

It is symbolic that the first to view this exhibition were foreign guests: on 25 June, Aleksandr Lukashenko received Moscow Oblast Governor Andrei Vorobyov and Chairperson of the Federation Council of the Russian Federal Assembly Valentina Matviyenko at the Palace of Independence.

In total, the exposition features more than seventy gifts from leaders of 40 countries.

A separate section is devoted to gifts from Russia and China.

Gifts from Russian President Vladimir Putin are imbued with profound philosophical meaning and reflect important historical milestones, such as the presented series of items dedicated to the Victory in the Great Patriotic War. Also noteworthy is a unique relic specially purchased by Russian representatives to be presented as a gift to the Belarusian side: a 1939 box titled “Meeting of the Red Army by Belarusian Brothers.”

Evidence of the high artistic skill and historical traditions of the Chinese people are the gifts presented by Chinese President Xi Jinping. These include, for example, a unique painting created using the dry felting technique from wool, depicting the beauty of China’s mountain peaks. Equally symbolic is a large vase adorned with an image of the Great Wall of China.

Among recent gifts, mention should be made of a baseball cap, cufflinks, and a commemorative medal from US President Donald Trump, presented in 2025.