Aleksandr Lukashenko said: “The motto of the festival ‘Through art to peace and mutual understanding' has never been more relevant than it is today. Slavonic unity, the unity of all sensible people is once again being put to the test. But here, in Vitebsk year after year we see how it is getting stronger. And the number of our friends grows larger. Artists from the remotest parts of the planet perform on this stage. By coming to us, they say no to all the artificially created barriers between nations and countries, to all the enforced stereotypes and opinions about our countries.”
The president said: “Year after year, as we gather under the dome of the Vitebsk amphitheater we create peace together. Belarusians and Russians. And I am confident there are plenty of Ukrainians here. And our guests. We create peace! And it is the key mission of Slavianski Bazaar.”
The festival takes place under the patronage of the Belarus president and the president has a role to play during the festival. “I highly appreciate my right to present well-deserved awards on this stage,” the Belarusian leader noted.
This year Aleksandr Lukashenko presented the grand prix of the 21st international children's music contest Vitebsk to the young Kazakh performer Sherkhan Arystan.
During the festival's opening ceremony the head of state also presented a special prize “Through art to peace and mutual understanding” to the Honored Artist of Belarus and the irreplaceable hostess of the Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk Yelena Spiridovich.
Aleksandr Lukashenko went on saying: “Just like in previous years today we honor those, who are taking their first career steps and established names. We appreciate experience and contributions to the development of Belarusian culture. We see new talents and help them start their careers. To a degree this ceremony reflects the essence of the policy of our countries based on principles of the continuity of ages and generations. We, Belarusians feel deep respect for predecessors, on whose shoulders we rely as we strengthen and develop our statehood. And we do everything to become a reliable pillar for children and grandchildren. We have always been an island of security and a reliable pillar for all peace-loving people. Trust me, Belarus will always be like that.”
He wished for the history of the Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk and of Belarus to be eternal. He wished for the best tunes and voices of not only Belarusian performers but those from Russia, Ukraine, neighboring Slavonic countries, and many other nations to always be heard on the stage of the festival. The president also wished for peace and creation to remain the key goals of modern generations and future ones.
In conclusion of his speech the president declared the 32nd international art festival Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk open.
Written by belta.by
