A. Lukashenko: "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk" is the national pride of Belarusians

July 10, Vitebsk /BELTA/. "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk" is the national pride of Belarusians, a symbol of the openness and hospitality of the Belarusian land and people. This was stated today by President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko at the opening ceremony of the XVIII International Festival of Arts "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk," as reported by a BELTA correspondent. "There are landmark events in the world, such as the Olympic Games, world film festivals, which have become symbols of the highest achievements in sports and art. I think our art festival 'Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk' also holds a worthy place in this row," said Alexander Lukashenko. The Belarusian leader recalled that in the mid-1990s, when everything around was collapsing, age-old ties were breaking, here, on the Vitebsk land, a spark of genuine art, sincere creativity, friendship, and brotherly accord was kindled. According to the President, "Slavianski Bazaar has already achieved very serious results: if only about 200 people from Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine participated in the first festival, then this year, over 5.5 thousand guests from more than 30 countries of Europe, Asia, and South America have gathered in Vitebsk." "But the main achievement is, of course, the immense love of artists and audiences," added the Belarusian leader. Alexander Lukashenko considers the festive atmosphere that transforms the life of Vitebsk to be one of the festival's features. "The city becomes a true cultural capital of the Slavic world, and not only of it anymore," said the head of state. -0-