MINSK. 13 October (BelTA) - We have been faced with a choice many times, but we have never, I emphasize, ever turned away from Russia, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he received the Order of St. Andrew the First-Called from Russian President Vladimir Putin in a Kremlin ceremony on 9 October.
The award, one must say, is completely deserved. Especially if we take into account the role of Aleksandr Lukashenko in strengthening the relations between Belarus and Russia. It was perhaps the key role, given that the Russian elites in the 1990s did not particularly seek a union with Belarus.
The award, one must say, is completely deserved. Especially if we take into account the role of Aleksandr Lukashenko in strengthening the relations between Belarus and Russia. It was perhaps the key role, given that the Russian elites in the 1990s did not particularly seek a union with Belarus.
“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 has always had such an attitude towards Russia. Back in 1994, after being elected president, Aleksandr Lukashenko clearly outlined his vision of relations between Belarus and Russia in an interview with Alekdandr Lyubimov for the popular Vzglyad TV show. A piece of the interview is available in BelTA’s YouTube project "How It Was".
“I have always been extremely consistent in my attitude to Russia. It is just that this is a sour point for our society. When someone tried to attack, they portrayed me as a detractor of Russia. But it is a lie, Mr Lyubimov! I am saying this not because your audience is Russian. The Belarusians will listen even harder. You will not find a politician in Belarus who would be more pro-Russian than Lukashenko. There is none. Therefore, independence and sovereignty mean concrete actions for me.
His words were supported by actions. The fact that the Union State exists and develops today is thanks to the Belarusian leader. Because back in the day some forces both in Belarus and in Russia were categorically against it. But Belarusians have made their choice, and for 30 years Belarus has been moving forward in a close alliance with Russia, despite the efforts by some to pit the two countries against each other.
Aleksandr Lukashenko has always had such an attitude towards Russia. Back in 1994, after being elected president, Aleksandr Lukashenko clearly outlined his vision of relations between Belarus and Russia in an interview with Alekdandr Lyubimov for the popular Vzglyad TV show. A piece of the interview is available in BelTA’s YouTube project "How It Was".
“I have always been extremely consistent in my attitude to Russia. It is just that this is a sour point for our society. When someone tried to attack, they portrayed me as a detractor of Russia. But it is a lie, Mr Lyubimov! I am saying this not because your audience is Russian. The Belarusians will listen even harder. You will not find a politician in Belarus who would be more pro-Russian than Lukashenko. There is none. Therefore, independence and sovereignty mean concrete actions for me.
His words were supported by actions. The fact that the Union State exists and develops today is thanks to the Belarusian leader. Because back in the day some forces both in Belarus and in Russia were categorically against it. But Belarusians have made their choice, and for 30 years Belarus has been moving forward in a close alliance with Russia, despite the efforts by some to pit the two countries against each other.
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