10 February 2025, 14:26

Lukashenko reflects on his special relations with Muslims

MINSK, 10 February (BelTA) – At the meeting with representatives of religious communities on 10 February Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko spoke about his relations with Muslims, BelTA has learned.

“I have relations of complete harmony with Muslims. It so happened in my presidential career that I have excellent relations with almost all Muslim countries. More than excellent. I have always treated them with respect, and they return the favor, although I am not a Muslim,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

Mufti of the Muslim Religious Association in Belarus Abu-Bekir Shabanovich noted that the country managed to avoid the destructive path of fighting against God. According to him, thanks to the support of the head of state, Islam has taken root in Belarus.

“A great many people learned about the great value of religion, the good things about Islam, as well as culture and spiritual traditions of our citizens, Muslims Tatars. Thus, xenophobia, Islamophobia cannot thrive here, unlike in other countries,” Abu-Bekir Shabanovich noted.

He recalled that a recreated cathedral mosque was opened in Minsk in November 2016 with the participation of the presidents of Belarus and Türkiye. “This event was so [important] for us that we regard it as a turning point in our history of more than 627 years. This found a lot of resonance in the world and, first of all, in the Muslim community,” the mufti said.

According to him, over the past years, the cathedral mosque has become the center of Islam in Belarus. Moreover, it is not only a center of theology and place of worship for believers, but also a kind of dialogue platform for interstate, interethnic and interfaith meetings.

Abu-Bekir Shabanovich conveyed to Aleksandr Lukashenko words of gratitude and support from all Muslims of Belarus. “You can rely on us in your every strategic and tactical move. And I believe that together, under your direct leadership we will preserve our common homeland, our dear Belarus,” he added.

“I have very good relations with Muslims in Belarus, they have never let down either the government or me. Honestly, I am grateful to you for such a position. You have always taken it and have never flip-flopped. I appreciate this very much. Belarus is not a Muslim country, but Muslims have solid positions in our society. Thank you very much for such an attitude towards Belarus, and remember (this applies to people of all our faiths) that this is your land. This also applies to the Tatars, and the Bashkirs, and others who came to us. Your land is not there. Your roots may be there, and your soul is there. But your land is here. And I am sure that many have their souls here. Therefore, I am very grateful to you for such a position,” the president said.