GRODNO, 18 January (BelTA) - We have created a strong independent Belarus thanks to the things that unite us: unity, strength and common destiny, Belarusian Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko said as he opened the gala concert of the Marathon of Unity in Grodno, BelTA learned.
“In a short period of time, the Marathon has traveled to 15 cities in all regions of the country since September of last year, demonstrating our culture, rich history and traditions - something we can be rightfully proud of,” Roman Golovchenko said.
“The Marathon of Unity reminded us how rich our history is, how diverse our culture is. And most importantly, it shows us how hardworking, intelligent and talented Belarusians are,” the prime minister emphasized.
In different historical epochs Grodno was home to representatives of various nationalities, including Belarusians, Poles, Jews, Lithuanians, the prime minister said. Each of these groups has left its mark on the city's culture, history, architecture and traditions.
“The people of Grodno are a reflection of this rich heritage. You are open, hospitable and proud of your city. Each resident contributes to the development of the city, the region and the country as a whole,” Roman Golovchenko emphasized.
“Our people have always been resilient and courageous,” he said. “We have survived many trials, but every time we came out stronger.”
“Together we have created a strong independent Belarus thanks to the things that unite us: unity, strength and common destiny. Our unity is not only about the past, it's about the present and the future,” the prime minister said.
Grodno Oblast is a special land, it is our borderland, our special western outpost, the prime minister emphasized. “You, like no one else, are subject to the constant informational impact from neighbors, but you remain true patriots of your country, confidently supporting the policy of our state for sovereign development,” Roman Golovchenko addressed the residents of the city on the Neman. “In the Soviet times Grodno Oblast was one of the best regions of the USSR. Many people looked up to it. Now it holds leading positions too”.
The prime minister quoted the Basic Law of the Republic of Belarus: “Our Constitution begins with the words ‘We, the people of the Republic of Belarus’. We have been given this land; we have no other. It depends only on us whether we can make it even more beautiful, richer, whether we will not let it be torn to pieces, as it has been for centuries. All we need is to be sovereign, to live and work peacefully on our land, raise our children and keep peace. And then centuries later new generations of Belarusians will be able to say with pride: ‘We are the people of the Republic of Belarus’.
“In a short period of time, the Marathon has traveled to 15 cities in all regions of the country since September of last year, demonstrating our culture, rich history and traditions - something we can be rightfully proud of,” Roman Golovchenko said.
“The Marathon of Unity reminded us how rich our history is, how diverse our culture is. And most importantly, it shows us how hardworking, intelligent and talented Belarusians are,” the prime minister emphasized.
“Today the Marathon of Unity is hosted by one of the oldest and most beautiful cities of Belarus,” Roman Golovchenko said. “Grodno is a city of the unique history and a special atmosphere. The city, founded in the early 12th century as a small fortress, thanks to its favorable position and the efforts of its residents, has become a center of crafts and trade in a short period of time by historical standards. The riches of this city have always attracted both traders and numerous conquerors. Some people still can't get over the fact that this beautiful land belongs to us, the Belarusians, whose ancestors have been watering this land with their sweat and blood for centuries. Grodno has always fought back uninvited guests, and the memory of those who liberated their native land from enemies is sacredly honored in the city above the Neman.”
In different historical epochs Grodno was home to representatives of various nationalities, including Belarusians, Poles, Jews, Lithuanians, the prime minister said. Each of these groups has left its mark on the city's culture, history, architecture and traditions.
“The people of Grodno are a reflection of this rich heritage. You are open, hospitable and proud of your city. Each resident contributes to the development of the city, the region and the country as a whole,” Roman Golovchenko emphasized.
“Our people have always been resilient and courageous,” he said. “We have survived many trials, but every time we came out stronger.”
“Together we have created a strong independent Belarus thanks to the things that unite us: unity, strength and common destiny. Our unity is not only about the past, it's about the present and the future,” the prime minister said.
As he emphasized, being one nation does not mean being alike: “We can go to different churches, consider ourselves Belarusians, Russians or Poles, have our own opinion about everything that is going on. But there is one thing that unites us and makes us strong - we all want to live in a strong, happy and prosperous country and be proud of it. Such a Belarus can be built only together, only by the hard work of everyone. In this difficult time, when the world around us is changing, when new challenges and difficulties are emerging, it is especially important to remember that we are one. Collectivism and mutual assistance are part of our DNA.”
Grodno Oblast is a special land, it is our borderland, our special western outpost, the prime minister emphasized. “You, like no one else, are subject to the constant informational impact from neighbors, but you remain true patriots of your country, confidently supporting the policy of our state for sovereign development,” Roman Golovchenko addressed the residents of the city on the Neman. “In the Soviet times Grodno Oblast was one of the best regions of the USSR. Many people looked up to it. Now it holds leading positions too”.
The prime minister quoted the Basic Law of the Republic of Belarus: “Our Constitution begins with the words ‘We, the people of the Republic of Belarus’. We have been given this land; we have no other. It depends only on us whether we can make it even more beautiful, richer, whether we will not let it be torn to pieces, as it has been for centuries. All we need is to be sovereign, to live and work peacefully on our land, raise our children and keep peace. And then centuries later new generations of Belarusians will be able to say with pride: ‘We are the people of the Republic of Belarus’.