Opinions & Interviews

Lukashenko contemplates trip to Antarctica

MINSK, 17 October (BelTA) – A trip to Antarctica would be my pleasure. Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko made the relevant statement as he met with scientists and participants of Belarusian Antarctic expeditions, BelTA has learned.

Aleksandr Lukashenko said: “I am interested in hearing what we could use in science and in our life in the future starting with climatic and ecological forecasts and ending with studies of the biodiversity and peculiarities of survival of organisms in a harsh climate. It is an unforgiving land. The work is not an easy one. And you have to spend a long time away from home. I think you have something to talk about.”

During the meeting the president shared some personal thoughts: “If I had to think about it, it would be my pleasure to visit this pole of our planet. We may meet with you over there at some point. And we will talk in detail and, as people say, touch everything that exists there and everything we can get to.”

“Thank you for the fact that you are enthusiastic people, smart people, who have penetrated the deepest secrets of our planet and try to make it part of our lives,” the head of state summed it up.

BelTA reported earlier that at the beginning of the year Aleksandr Lukashenko and President of Russia Vladimir Putin took part in a ceremony to begin the trial operation of a new wintering complex of the Vostok station in Antarctica. The event took place as a videoconference call. Back then the Belarusian head of state invited his Russian counterpart to visit Antarctica.

“Shall we go there sometime? It would be interesting,” Aleksandr Lukashenko wondered.

“Yes, okay,” Vladimir Putin responded.

Addressing the polar explorers, the Belarus president mentioned the complicated conditions they have to deal with and the rather lengthy and complicated route to the station: “You are making a heroic feat. We are proud of you. Thank you very much. We, Belarusians, will take a more active part in these processes. Live in harmony. We are brothers. We have nothing to divide. Both Russia and Belarus should make a contribution to science.”

print version

make home page

add to bookmarks