Press releases

MINSK, 10 September (BelTA) – A painting of cosmonaut Alexey Leonov, the first human to conduct extravehicular activity, was presented to Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko at the opening ceremony of the 31^st International Space Congress on 10 September, BelTA has learned.

The present was given to the head of state by Belarusian space pilot, two-time Hero of the Soviet Union Piotr Klimuk.

“For a long time we have been thinking what to present to you, Alexander Grigoryevich [Lukashenko], to remind about our congress. In the outer space you realize that the Earth, the place where people are born, where their native places are, is the most important place for them. The painting of Alexey Leonov, the first spacewalker, combines outer space in the form of the rising sun and the Earth highlighting nature and beauty of native places. This is very symbolic and in sync with the decision to announce the Year of Native Land in 2018,” the cosmonaut said. he added with regret that Alexey Leonov could not attend the forum due to heath reasons.

The head of state said that this painting will be a gift for the entire Belarusian nation and will be placed at the Palace of Independence. However, first of all it will be demonstrated to the participants of the congress. “It will remind that Alexey [Leonov] is here, with us. That is why this artwork is priceless,” he stressed.