Lukashenko emphasized the importance of Belarus preserving its cultural sovereignty

President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko emphasized the importance of the Belarusian people preserving their cultural sovereignty. He stated this at the ceremony of awarding the "For Spiritual Revival" prize, special prizes to figures of culture and art, and the "Belarusian Sport Olympus" prize, a BELTA correspondent reports.

"We, Belarusians, are creators by nature. We have always lived by our own minds, which is why we have preserved our way of life, culture, and spirituality through the most difficult periods of development. This is very important. Many today, especially our fugitives, are loudly shouting about the "decline" of spirituality and culture. There will be no "decline" if we present our people with masterpieces of this creativity. No one will stifle anyone for their creativity. This has never happened in our modern history and never will. But we will not allow anyone to destroy what has been created and developed over centuries by generations of Belarusians – our traditions, our spirituality, and the highest feelings based on the past. And it must not be destroyed. It is also not worth excessively resorting to politics," the Belarusian leader stated.

At the same time, according to the President, Belarus is open to the world, respects the customs and traditions of other peoples, and is receptive to new ideas. "But on one condition: everything that enters our lives, the lives of Belarusians, must resonate, correspond to our national values, our spiritual world, and enrich our nation culturally," said the head of state.

Alexander Lukashenko stressed that the future of the nation depends, in part, on the personal example of all participants and guests of the ceremony, on their civic stance and professional choices: "You do not need to be told how important it is to maintain our cultural sovereignty. It naturally begins with a careful attitude towards the purity of our native language (Russian and Belarusian), the priority of traditional content in creative projects and holidays, and the traditional design of our national product and our entire living space."

The head of state called deep respect for the native culture created by folk masters, Soviet and Belarusian classics, a matter of national dignity: "We must in no way abandon what we have achieved. Otherwise, the question will arise: from what heritage are we abandoning, and on what will we build our future?"

Alexander Lukashenko wished all residents of Belarus success in the coming year, both in creative and production endeavors: "As before, we will strive for excellence and a decent level of our cultural, spiritual, and socio-political life."

The President thanked the laureates of the awards for their contribution to the development of their native Belarus and personally presented them with diplomas.

Source: belta.by