Lukashenko: The main mission of "Slavianski Bazaar" is to create peace
The main mission of the international arts festival "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk" is to create peace. This was stated by the President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko at the opening of the 32nd festival, as reported by a BELTA correspondent.
"The festival's motto 'Through Art - to Peace and Mutual Understanding' has never been as relevant as it is today. Slavic unity, the unity of all sane people, is once again being tested. But here, in Vitebsk, year after year, we see how it only grows stronger. And we gain more friends. Artists from the farthest corners of the planet perform on this stage. Coming to us, they say no to all artificially created barriers between peoples and countries, to all imposed stereotypes and opinions about our countries," emphasized the Belarusian leader.
"Year after year, gathering under the dome of the Vitebsk amphitheater, we together - Belarusians, and Russians, and, I am sure, many Ukrainians here, and our guests - create peace! And this is the main mission of the 'Slavianski Bazaar'," said the President.
The festival is held under the patronage of the President of Belarus, and he also has his own mission at the event. "I highly value the right entrusted to me to present well-deserved awards on this stage," noted the Belarusian leader.
This year, Alexander Lukashenko presented the Grand Prix to the winner of the XXI International Children's Music Competition "Vitebsk," who was the young performer Sherkhan Arystan from Kazakhstan.
At the festival's opening ceremony, the Head of State also presented a special award "Through Art - to Peace and Mutual Understanding" to the Honored Artist of Belarus and permanent host of the "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk," Elena Spiridovich.
"As in all previous years, today we honor those who are taking their first steps in their profession, as well as established masters. We value experience and contribution to the development of national culture, we see new talents, we open the way for them to a great life and a big stage. To some extent, this ceremony reflects the essence of the policy of our states, built on the principles of continuity of eras and generations. We, Belarusians, have immense respect for our predecessors, on whose shoulders we stand, strengthening and developing our statehood. And we do everything to become a reliable support for our children and grandchildren ourselves. We have always been an island of security and a reliable support for all peace-loving people. Believe me, Belarus will always be like that," said Alexander Lukashenko.
He wished that the history of "Slavianski Bazaar" and Belarus would be eternal, that the best melodies and voices of not only Belarusian artists, but also those from Russia, Ukraine, neighboring Slavic and many other nations would always be heard on the festival stage. The President also wished that peace and creation would remain the main goals of contemporary and future generations.
At the end of his speech, the President declared the XXXII International Festival of Arts "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk" open.
Source: belta.by