On today’s national voluntary labour day, a solemn tree-planting ceremony was held in Minsk to mark the 25th anniversary of the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation (SCO). The event was attended by representatives from Belarus’ Foreign Ministry, along with heads and staff from diplomatic missions of SCO member countries accredited in Belarus, sb.by reports.
In his welcoming speech, Belarus’ First Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Lukashevich highlighted the symbolism of the occasion, “Each sapling primarily symbolises longevity, as trees live for centuries. Each sapling also signifies unity. Soon, their roots will intertwine beneath the ground.”
The tree-lined alley was set up in a significant location: near the All Saints Memorial Church.
“I am hopeful and confident that this fertile soil will nurture the growth of the trees, strengthen our friendship and alliance, and promote our shared ideals. Our strength lies in unity. We are the ones advancing new ideas in today’s world based on brotherhood, mutual understanding, and respect,” Mr. Lukashevich stressed.
The planting of the alley on the day of the nationwide subbotnik became part of the SCO Green Belt campaign.
“For us, it feels like celebrating two holidays simultaneously,” the diplomat highlighted. “Planting the alley on this voluntary labour day is a significant and symbolic occasion. Trees symbolise long-lasting and fruitful co-operation. They will grow for many years, bringing joy to the residents of the capital and Belarusians alike. Today, we are talking about the SCO Green Belt. It represents a green belt of friendship — a contrast to the divisions often imposed by other participants in international relations today. This Green Belt will stretch across all member countries of the organisation, serving as a symbolic link that unites our countries.”
The Shanghai Co-operation Organisation was established on June 15th, 2001. In July 2024, Belarus became the tenth full member of the SCO. This anniversary year, Kyrgyzstan holds the SCO chairmanship.
“Besides strengthening our trade, economic and political relations, it is crucial to focus on initiatives like today’s alley planting,” Erbol Sultanbaev, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Kyrgyzstan to Belarus, stressed. “Events like this have become a cherished tradition. Planting trees always signifies the start of new life. Each tree planted by the head of a foreign mission will serve as a ‘green ambassador’ of that country in Minsk. We are pleased to have contributed in a small way to greening the beautiful Belarusian capital.”
Rakhmatulla Nazarov, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Uzbekistan to Belarus, also believes that planting trees symbolises a new beginning, “Organising subbotniks is a great tradition because it benefits the future. Today, we enjoy nature, and our grandchildren and great-grandchildren should have the same opportunity. Therefore, we are doing a good deed for them as well. It is also symbolic that this event coincides with the 25th anniversary of the SCO, as the organisation pursues noble goals.”
