By Kirill Denisov
Accordingly, its armed forces are ever combat ready, noted President Alexander Lukashenko, speaking to graduates of military educational establishments from Belarus and Russia. Early in July each year, when Independence Day is celebrated, the President traditionally meets military graduates to congratulate them and give words of encouragement. This year, he told them, “Today, we recollect the heroism of soldiers and officers of the fraternal Soviet peoples during the Great Patriotic War. They, as representatives of different nationalities, fought shoulder to shoulder, defending the freedom, prosperity and peaceful sky over our Republic.”
Mr. Lukashenko stressed that the values bequeathed by those victors are vital as never before. He noted that humanity’s security still hangs in the balance, with the world’s superpowers often using the language of force towards those who reject their influence. He emphasised the importance of strengthening the military security of Belarus, telling the graduates that their priority should be the strengthening of patriotism among the military.
“Of course, not everyone can really become a general, or maybe everyone can, at least I wish this for you all. However, all those trained at our military institutions should use their skills and knowledge to protect our country,” underlined the President. He spoke warmly to representatives of the Armed Forces of Kazakhstan, noting that the joint training of Belarusian and Kazakh officers is further evidence of effective military co-operation and strengthening of friendship between our countries and peoples.
The President of Belarus presented senior officer personnel with general shoulder stripes. Meanwhile, at the Belarusian Embassy to Moscow, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to Russia, H.E. Mr. Andrei Kobyakov, presented Belarusian Orders of Merit to Russian military men for their part in promoting military co-operation between Belarus and Russia, following a decree by the President of Belarus.
