VITEBSK, 15 July (BelTA) – The single Slavic world which strength lies in its thousand-year history has to survive politically and culturally, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said at the opening ceremony of the 31st edition of the International Arts Festival Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk on 14 July, BelTA has learned.
“Of course, this festive, creative atmosphere is not the best time to talk about politics. Yet, politics has played a role in the history of Slavianski Bazaar from its very first day. And we did the right thing to retain and preserve our festival throughout the difficult period of the 1990s,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
According to the head of state, the motto of the festival “Through Art to Peace and Understanding” is more relevant than ever.
“When founding this festival, we could not even think that the single Slavic world which strength lies in its thousand-year history would be put to the test politically and culturally, that simple human values like friendship, trust, sincerity that serve as a vital link between countries and peoples would be lost,” the president said.
