Opinions & Interviews

“The 21st century is an era of global transformations. This is a time of technological process and endless opportunities it offers. However, these opportunities often give rise to many threats in political and spiritual dimensions. We have just discussed this with the Patriarch, devoting this issue more time than was envisaged by the protocol. We often see that in the name of some imaginary democracy, such public values as the protection of rights and freedoms of citizens are replaced, willingly or unwillingly, with permissiveness and disregard for our moral foundations,” Alexander Lukashenko said.

This leads to alienation, indifference and intolerance that give rise to the rejection of different nationalities and faiths, the president said. Disputes and disagreements lead to mutual distrust, confrontation, trade wars, armed clashes.

“Many conflicts - hot, simmering, frozen – continue to claim lives sowing pain and suffering, raising aggression in various regions, including in close proximity to Belarus. However, it is very often that we do not have an answer to the question how to return peace to people who were caught in the midst of these events. The question is relevant to all and has been the subject of discussions in various, including the most reputable, international organizations and forums,” Alexander Lukashenko said.

According to Alexander Lukashenko, Belarus remembers the tragic lessons of its history. “We value peace, security, friendship and mutual understanding. We advocate frank dialogue, cooperation and interaction between states and peoples. Our initiatives aimed at protecting and preserving traditional values are well known. Some of them made the basis of the UN documents, decisions of international and regional organizations,” he said.

The Minsk process and the Minsk agreements have become the hallmark of Belarus as a place hosting the negotiations on the situation in Ukraine. “We are the closest neighbors, brotherly, Slavic nations. We will continue doing everything possible so that peace and harmony return to Ukraine. Schism is not about us and not for us. We will do everything necessary. I am sure about this. Time is the best doctor and judge. There is no doubt that we will be together,” said the president.

Speaking about the meeting of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church in Minsk, Alexander Lukashenko noted that this proves a high assessment of the state’s efforts to preserve peace and harmony, develop interfaith dialogue and support constructive initiatives by religious organizations.

“During the years of independence, Belarus, together with the Orthodox Church, has come a long and difficult way of strengthening the spiritual fundamentals, developing moral and life guidelines,” the head of state said.

The president welcomed the contribution of Patriarch Kirill to the cooperation between the church and the state, spiritual ties between the fraternal peoples of Belarus and Russia. “We highly appreciate your pastoral care and attention to our country,” he added.