70th anniversary of the Great Victory

MINSK, 11 May (BelTA) – Today when the international community is going through a complicated crisis, historical memory and unity become particularly important. Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko made the statement as he visited the Belarusian State Museum of History of the Great Patriotic War together with China President Xi Jinping, BelTA has learned.

“The Soviet nation, the Belarusian nation and China are united not only by many years of friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership but by the history of combat brotherhood of the two nations as they defended their countries from aggressors. Belarusians and citizens of China fought for the freedom of their land, for the future of new generations,” noted the Belarus President.

Alexander Lukashenko pointed out that the museum had an exposition dedicated to the history of Belarus-China combat brotherhood. The exposition covers interaction between the People's Liberation Army of China and the Red Army. “You can see how Chinese patriots participated in the Great Patriotic War here,” said the head of state. He noted that a number of Chinese also took part in the anti-fascism movement in Vitebsk.

Germany laid down arms in May 1945. “But World War Two continued and it ended over there — in the territory of great China — with the destruction of the Kwantung Army. The event put an end to the Japanese militarism. And it was done by the Soviet troops together with the People's Liberation Army of China,” said Alexander Lukashenko. He pointed out that China waged the war for eight years and lost 35 million Chinese lives.

The Belarus President also said that China President Xi Jinping had decided to celebrate the 70^th anniversary of the Victory this year on a large scale. “It will make sure that history will never be falsified. Your deeds will never be forgotten,” the President told the war veterans, who were present. Alexander Lukashenko stressed that he and the China President had come to the museum together in order to bow to the fallen and the live ones. “We wish the most important thing — good health and long life – to every veteran. We thank you!” said the head of state.