Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 15 October (BelTA) – The demand for renewing the system of measures designed to bolster security in Europe grows stronger every day. Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko made the statement as he met with members of the holy synod of the Russian Orthodox Church and the synod of the Belarusian Orthodox Church on 15 October, BelTA has learned.

Alexander Lukashenko said: “The demand for renewing the system of measures designed to bolster trust, security, and cooperation in Europe grows stronger every day. It is time to turn to the best practices the world history offers – the Helsinki process of the past century.”

Alexander Lukashenko stressed that Belarus’ stance on matters concerning ways to deal with disagreements in the European and Eurasian spaces remains unchanged. “I am deeply convinced that in these matters the voice of the church as one of the most powerful and influential voices should speak in unison with the state,” he stated.

Alexander Lukashenko is confident that the state and the orthodox church have many contact points on the way of counteracting destructive trends of the modern world. The most important ones include the enhancement of Christian life guidelines, consolidation of the interethnic peace, interreligious dialogue and good neighborly attitudes of all the religions.

“Protecting the family institution, revering your parents, love of the people, the nurturing of patriotism, respect for history, language, and culture, working honestly are the basic values the orthodox church and the catholic church, Judaism and Islamism share,” noted the head of state. “This is why amity of representatives of the traditional religions represents the unshakeable foundation of life in our country.”