MINSK, 22 February (BelTA) - Belarus will continue to pursue peaceful foreign policy, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said as he met with students and the academic staff of the Military Academy on 22 February, BelTA has learned.
“Today we can see that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization has significantly intensified its activity on the European continent. The expansion of military blocs and the development of new technologies of armed confrontation are aggravating the situation near our borders. Everyone should know that Belarus will not abandon its peaceful foreign policy,” Alexander Lukashenko said.
The head of state stated that the country will continue defending its interests, including as part of the joint defense doctrine with its strategic partner, the Russian Federation. This, however, does not mean that Belarus will refuse to cooperate with other countries, military and political organizations, Alexander Lukashenko said.
“You, the future graduates of the Military Academy, should always be ready for any turn of events, be highly professional specialists, true patriots of the Fatherland,” the president said.
Alexander Lukashenko added that he is glad to meet with the younger generation of servicemen, those who will ensure the national security of the state in the future, as the country is gearing up to celebrate Fatherland Defenders Day. "I am happy to be here, because I remember very well the beginning of the story of this modern military school, and it is important for me to see what you have achieved over these years,” the head of state said.
The president stated that for the Belarusian people peace and independence are the greatest values that had been won through hardships by many generations. In the year of the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Belarus from the Nazis the country again recalls the feat accomplished by its glorious sons and daughters. “It was they who defended freedom and independence during the Great Patriotic War. It was they who laid the foundation for a sovereign, independent state, our Belarus. We are proud of our heroic history,” said Alexander Lukashenko.
In his words, the modern generation of military personnel continues the traditions of their predecessors. “The cadets of the Military Academy who are present here today are the elite of our army. The future of our country and the face of our Armed Forces depend entirely on you. I can see that the training of officers is of the highest quality here. Due attention is paid to the preservation of traditions, the study of the military history, the experience of modern wars, local conflicts, and the implementation of the latest technologies,” the head of state said.
The president saw all these in the Military Academy. Alexander Lukashenko said that it was particularly interesting for him to talk to members of Belarus' first information unit of the Armed Forces. “This is only the beginning. I told the officers that we cannot ruin this endeavor. It should gain steam and produce results not only for the domestic market. We should bear in mind export prospects as well, which might bring in good money. Otherwise, you will not be able to compete with the High-Tech Park,” the head of state said.
Alexander Lukashenko added that today training must be results-oriented. “Your school is not so much lasses but training grounds and troops. The years of training in some professions in the academy, like many other universities, have been cut on my instruction. The training of any specialist should take as much time as it takes to master the profession
According to the president, the efforts of the academic staff should be directed to form the worldview of cadets because modern military personnel should be able to analyze developments in the world. “All students, especially the listeners of the General Staff Department must clearly realize the place of Belarus in the system of international relations and global security,” alexander Lukashenko stressed.
He wished Happy Fatherland Defenders Day to the cadets, students and the academic staff of the Military Academy, all members of the Armed Forces of Belarus and expressed gratitude for their work, courage and dedication.
“I am convinced that devotion to the country, military duty, high professionalism, combat skills will help fulfill the tasks in order to preserve peace and security in Belarus,” the president said.
Alexander Lukashenko answered the questions of the cadets and lsitened to their suggestions.
