Opinions & Interviews

Lukashenko shares formula for successful negotiations

MINSK, 22 November (BelTA) – My goal in any negotiation (from sport to economy) is to protect and advance national interests, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said during a Q&A session titled “Open Microphone with the President” at Minsk State Linguistic University on 22 November, BelTA has learned.

One of the questions to the head of state was about cross-cultural communication. A student of Minsk State Linguistic University, majoring in cross-cultural communication, noted that Aleksandr Lukashenko has a vast experience in communicating with representatives of different cultures and asked to share the formula for success in cross-cultural interaction.

The president noted that he has no special formula for success in this regard. "Sometimes you are so focused on an issue that you don't even think about cross-cultural communication. Because often your opposite number in negotiation, people you meet are not quite ‘culture-focused’ people; they do not quite understand our culture," he said.

“I always try to promote my culture, in cross-cultural communication. That is my job. I mean not only culture, but also sport, education, healthcare, economy, industry, agriculture, trade and so on. This is the essence of my work,” the Belarusian leader emphasized.

The president called the Festival of National Cultures in Grodno, which has already become the country’s iconic event, one of Belarus’ most important achievements in cross-cultural communication. “The festival is a truly great project. It keeps gaining momentum every year,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said. He stressed importance of state support for such events: “Organization and patronage are of crucial significance in intercultural dialogue.”

Another good example is the Marathon of Unity, which is now taking place in Belarus. “It has kicked off with a concert and keeps developing. The event also features a certain dialogue among the participants,” the president said. According to the president, things are not always smooth, but new experience is gained and appropriate conclusions are drawn.

print version

make home page

add to bookmarks