MOSCOW, 9 October (BelTA) – The union of Belarus and Russia is at the forefront of the struggle for a fair world, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he was accepting the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle the First-Called that was presented by Russian President Vladimir Putin at a ceremony on 9 October, BelTA has learned.
“Our unique integration association that we are building together, the Union State, is successfully developing. Today, we are fighting together for a just world. And the union of Belarus and Russia is at the forefront of this fierce and formidable struggle. There is no alternative to such a course amid the tense, escalating international situation. At the same time, the Union State may well become a model of new equal relations,” Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized.
The president noted that Belarusians acknowledge and greatly appreciate the support of the Russian leadership. “We have faced choices many times, but we have never, I emphasize, never turned away from Russia. You and your colleagues know this well. Belarus is a reliable ally. I want Russia to know this. Belarusians have never let Russians down. Please accept my assurances: they will never let you down in the future. We are destined to share successes and difficulties like brothers. As the president elected by Belarusian people, I will always defend our common interests, centuries-old good-neighborly relations and friendship,” the head of state said.
Aleksandr Lukashenko added that the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle the First-Called awarded to him has a history of over three centuries, it has acknowledged many generations of people who built and defended the common Fatherland. This award serves as an additional impetus to strengthen the union of Belarus and Russia and the unity of the two peoples.
“Once again, I am sincerely grateful to you for the honor bestowed upon me. I wish you, all Russians, good health, happiness, prosperity and new great victories. And to us as well,” the Belarusian leader remarked.
Aleksandr Lukashenko added that the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle the First-Called awarded to him has a history of over three centuries, it has acknowledged many generations of people who built and defended the common Fatherland. This award serves as an additional impetus to strengthen the union of Belarus and Russia and the unity of the two peoples.
“Once again, I am sincerely grateful to you for the honor bestowed upon me. I wish you, all Russians, good health, happiness, prosperity and new great victories. And to us as well,” the Belarusian leader remarked.
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