Alexander Lukashenko: "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk" strengthens peace and mutual understanding between peoples
The participation of representatives from many countries in the festival testifies not only to its popularity but also to Belarus's growing authority in the community of nations. The Head of State noted that the festival of art and friendship "Slavianski Bazaar" is as old as sovereign and independent Belarus, and over the years it has become a true gem of the international festival movement and a calling card of the country.
"Here, in ancient Vitebsk, which is unofficially recognized as our cultural capital, creative delegations from seventy-two states have visited over a quarter of a century. And today, all flags are visiting us again. We warmly welcome participants and fans of the festival who have arrived from Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. This eloquently speaks not only of its popularity but also of Belarus's growing authority in the community of nations," said Alexander Lukashenko.
This year, the festival's honorary guests include the President of Moldova, the State Secretary of Kazakhstan, and the heads of diplomatic missions of several states. "Art knows no borders; it brings peoples together, uniting souls and hearts. Under the Vitebsk summer sky, numerous friends from all corners of the globe meet. It is for this reason that the star of the 'Slavianski Bazaar' ignited and has been shining for over a quarter of a century, embodying the warmth, kindness, and greatest hospitality of Belarusians," said the Head of State.
"This is a truly landmark event in the life of our country, our Slavic peoples, which vividly reflects the events of recent history. I recall the times when age-old foundations were collapsing in the post-Soviet space and people had no time for art. It was then that we tried to unite all creative forces for a common cause – spiritual revival and the continuation of the best traditions," said Alexander Lukashenko. "Our festival has taken on this noble mission. It has become a true symbol of the unity of millions of people of goodwill, because it serves a noble purpose – strengthening peace and mutual understanding between peoples, preserving cultural diversity and supporting talents."
The President noted that with the acquisition of wide fame, the consolidating role of the Vitebsk forum has increased even more. "It fully contributes to constructive interstate dialogue. Any foreign guest who has visited our festival returns to their country as a messenger of peace," noted Alexander Lukashenko.
The Head of State emphasized that the high international status of the festival obliges Belarus in many ways. "It is a kind of mirror of our country's policy in the socio-humanitarian sphere. Therefore, such a variety of art forms and genres is presented here. The level of concerts, exhibitions and performances, creative meetings is consistently high," stated the Belarusian leader. "An atmosphere of creative freedom and goodwill always reigns here, and objective and unbiased judging is guaranteed. Every contestant has the opportunity to show their talent, to demonstrate the cultural features of their native region, their people."
Alexander Lukashenko is confident that the current festival, held under the motto "Stars over Belarus," will bring many discoveries and will be an excellent start in life for young performers. "Slavianski Bazaar" is famous for its good traditions. One of them is to honor artists whose creative and public activities serve to strengthen friendship and cooperation between states," the President remarked.
During the festive opening of the festival, the Head of State presented the special award "Through Art – to Peace and Mutual Understanding" to People's Artist of Georgia and Russia Tamara Gverdtsiteli, as well as the Grand Prix of the XV International Children's Music Competition "Vitebsk-2017" to Maria Magilnaya.
The awarding of laureates and diploma winners of the competition took place earlier, in the afternoon, at the gala concert. However, the Grand Prix winner was honored to receive the award from the President. Alexander Lukashenko expressed hope that in the future the girl would achieve the same heights as Tamara Gverdtsiteli.
"I sincerely congratulate the laureates. When renowned idols and very young talents meet on such stages, it is very touching, it is very symbolic. We are witnessing the continuity of bright traditions of stage mastery," said the Head of State. "May this festival always remain a benchmark of genuine culture, a life-giving source of joy and inspiration."
