Vasiliy Dolgoliov: Our closest strategic ally is Russia

An official reception on the occasion of the Independence Day of the Republic of Belarus was held in Moscow at the Embassy of the Republic of Belarus to the Russian Federation. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to Russia Vasiliy Dolgoliov addressed the guests with a welcoming speech, reported the press service of the Embassy of Belarus to the correspondent of www.soyuz.by.

An official reception on the occasion of the Independence Day of the Republic of Belarus was held in Moscow at the Embassy of the Republic of Belarus to the Russian Federation. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to Russia Vasiliy Dolgoliov addressed the guests with a welcoming speech, reported the press service of the Embassy of Belarus to the correspondent of www.soyuz.by.

Ladies and Gentlemen!

Dear friends!

We sincerely welcome you to the reception on the occasion of the main state holiday of the Republic of Belarus – Independence Day.

On July 3^rd, 1944 the city of Minsk was liberated from Nazi invaders. This very day has become the symbol of liberated Belarus, of gaining country’s true independence.

Generations that succeed us will always remember the ordeals that fell to the lot of Belarusians during World War II that turned into the Great Patriotic War for us.

We can fight fire with fire. We rose from the ashes after the war, and after the dissolution of the state. So we can cope with arising difficulties now as well.

Today, solidary people of Belarus headed by President Alexander Lukashenko pursue the policy of socio-economic development.

We try to gain allies and trusted partners both in the East and West.

Addressing present here respected heads of diplomatic missions, I want to state: Belarus is open to international cooperation.

Our closest strategic ally is Russia. Over the past year, which wasn’t the best, the turnover amounted to about $ 28 billion. The rate of this year is nearly 140 percent. This means that Belarusian economy is growing, and its safety factor is sufficient. At the same time we try to preserve the main element of our strategy – social orientation of state’s policy. And that’s what makes us similar to Russia. Yesterday’s budget message from Russian President Dmitry Medvedev is an evidence of it.

Understanding of the need for a unified social policy is a cornerstone of the Union State formation. The broad economic dimension added resulted in the Customs Union of Belarus, Russia and Kazakhstan. We appreciate the active integration attitude of Chairman of the Union State Council of Ministers Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin.

In Belarus one can find a unique interweaving of culture and traditions of Western and Eastern Europe. Shortly an international festival “Slavonic Bazaar” opens in Vitebsk. It’s nice that the festival of arts and friendship is becoming more and more popular. The representatives of many foreign countries are taking part in the festival as well. Belarus is open to good people.

Dear guests! I propose a toast for the independence of the Republic of Belarus!

For stability and prosperity!

For our fruitful cooperation!