Opinions & Interviews

Andrei Kobyakov noted that this year’s edition of the international expo is of particular relevance for Belarus as its theme is Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life. “Belarus is a country with centuries-long farming traditions. From day to day we make our contribution to the global food security,” the Prime Minister stressed. Andrei Kobyakov recalled that Belarus ranks among world’s top five exporters of dairy products and top three exporters of butter. Each tenth tractor and each third rock hauler in the world are manufactured in Belarus.

“Belarus is fully aware of the role that the expo plays in tackling food insecurity, one of the most pressing issues of today. I want to express gratitude for entrusting us with this honorary mission. I assure you that we share your aspirations and always stand ready to provide you with unshakeable support,” Andrei Kobyakov emphasized.

The National Day of Belarus at the Expo Milano 2015 opened with “Belarusian Dozhinki in Italy”. Belarus’ National Day coincides with the completion of harvest times and the Dozhinki harvest festival in Belarus. Taking into account the motto of the expo Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life and the wish of its organizers to include the maximum of folk music, national rites and feasts into the cultural program, Belarus opened its National Day with the program “Belarusian Dozhinki in Italy”.

The Wheel of Life symbolizing destiny and the continuous movement of the nature was launched during the opening ceremony of the National Day celebrations. The Belarusian folk dance company Khoroshki performed at the main concert venue of the expo. The guests were treated to korovai (traditional bread) made from the flour of the new harvest.

The celebrations are attended by a Belarusian government delegation. Its members will stroll along the main street of the Expo Milano 2015. After that, Andrei Kobyakov will visit the national pavilions of Belarus and Italy.

The celebration program includes tastings of Belarus-made food products and dishes of the Belarusian cuisine. Besides, the participants of the expo will take part in business meetings and the panel discussion “Belarus: European Partner – Eurasian Market” at the Milan Stock Exchange. Visitors to the Belarusian pavilion will be treated to meat and dairy products, pastry, and soft drinks.

Belarus' National Day at the expo will conclude with the evening gala concert Belarus Invites at the open-air theater EXPO Center. The concert will feature the Belarusian state dance company Khoroshki, folk group Kupalinka, soloists of the National Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theater of Belarus, Honored Artists of Belarus Vladimir Gromov and Nina Sharubina, and winner of international contests Pavel Petrov.

Expo Milano, also known as the Universal Exposition, is the biggest international platform to demonstrate technical and technological solutions. It was held in 1851 for the first time. Each country showcases its culture, traditions and achievements in technology, innovations, and tourism.

Partaking in this year's edition of the forum are 145 countries. The expo opened on 1 May and will last through 31 October.