Lukashenko underlines similarity, affinity of Belarusians, Russians
On August 25, during a meeting with the Governor of the Vologda Oblast of Russia, Georgy Filimonov, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko stated the similarity between the two Slavic peoples, Belarusian and Russian, a BELTA correspondent reports.
The Head of State began his meeting with the head of the Russian region by mentioning the famous song by "Pesniary" - a Belarusian-Russian collective, as the President called it. Thanks to their composition "Vologda," many in Belarus and beyond associate this Russian city, region, and its residents precisely with this song. "Partly thanks to the Russian-Belarusian, one might say, collective 'Pesniary,' you have become the most recognizable and closest people to Belarus. We are happy about this," said Alexander Lukashenko.
He explained why he named this ensemble this way and what role the history of its development in the post-Soviet period plays here. "We had to revive this ensemble. Few people talk about it now. But in the times of rampant nationalism in Belarus (and it did flourish here for several years, a couple of years before the election of the President), some tried to abandon everything Russian, everything from Russia. They abandoned it and (tried. - BELTA's note) to force society to do so. But, as you can see, society did not accept this message," the President emphasized.
Alexander Lukashenko said that at the beginning of his presidency, he met with the ensemble members, was well acquainted with Vladimir Muliavin, who, during that difficult creative period, very much asked for help to return to the stage. "Of course, we did everything to ensure that 'Pesniary' returned," the head of state said. He noted that the song "Vologda" performed by this ensemble is known and highly valued, loved both in the city itself, in the region, and in Belarus. "All of Russia and Belarus know and love the work of 'Pesniary', including this seemingly simple, but great song. Indeed, all greatness is in simplicity," the Belarusian leader noted.
Addressing Georgy Filimonov, the President remarked that this is his first visit to Belarus and it can be considered a significant oversight. "This is not right. How can it be? Neighbors, our own people - and this is your first time here. But I think this is just the beginning, and when you are in Moscow or somewhere closer to us, you will always find time to visit Belarus," he added. - And not only to remind about the great Vologda region and about yourself (this is also important), but also to review how the agreements we reach with you are being fulfilled."
The head of state assured that there should be no problems from the Belarusian side in this regard and drew attention to the key factors thanks to which this interaction is built on a solid foundation, is reliable and long-term. "Firstly, it is gratitude to the governors for the cooperation we have today. Without you, there would be no such cooperation, especially in the past. They were not as simple and rosy in our relations as they are now. Indeed, difficult times unite people. Probably, Belarusians with Russians, including, and the leaders of our states," said Alexander Lukashenko.
The Belarusian leader particularly noted the importance of cooperation with Russian regions, including those from its central part.
In turn, Georgy Filimonov thanked the head of the Belarusian state for such "important, warm, correct, programmatic, and constructively inspiring" words spoken at the beginning of the meeting. He confirmed that it is indeed his first time in Minsk and, being here, he feels at home. "Yes, we are representatives of a single tree, a single Slavic super-ethnos, carriers of a single historical and cultural code, we have a common heritage, a common Victory (we are meeting in the year of the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory), and we highly value the feat of our ancestors who created the very possibility for us to live, have children, develop, and pass on this heritage from generation to generation," Georgy Filimonov emphasized.
This commonality, according to him, can be characterized as a Soviet legacy, as the President of Belarus did, and Georgy Filimonov agrees with him. "I also often stumble when someone hints to me or I am forced to utter perfunctory, diplomatic phrases, make bows, and call Belarusians foreigners. I cannot even allow myself this internally," said the head of the Vologda region.
"We, together with our Belarusian colleagues, brothers, and comrades-in-arms, are defending historical memory, fighting for truth, for historical justice. And we are winning. I am confident that in all senses, the victory will be ours," stated Georgy Filimonov.