Belarusian officers and soldiers have always been an indisputable example of courage and loyalty to the Motherland - A. Lukashenko

February 23, Minsk / Alina Grishkevich - BELTA/. The state will continue to pay the utmost attention to military education, technical training, as well as social guarantees for those serving in the Armed Forces. This was stated by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, speaking on February 23 at a reception for the leadership of the Armed Forces and law enforcement agencies. The event, organized on the occasion of the Defender of the Fatherland and Armed Forces Day of Belarus, was attended by the country's top officials, BELTA was informed by the press service of the Belarusian leader. The President emphasized that this holiday has long outgrown its professional boundaries. It embodies the people's special respect for those who have chosen the difficult task of ensuring peace and security, and protecting the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity. According to Alexander Lukashenko, "military valor, courage and honor, readiness at any moment to defend the freedom and independence of the Motherland with weapons in hand - these traditions, with deep historical roots, have become firmly established in our daily lives." The head of state stressed that Belarus is a peaceful country, it has never had aggressive intentions or goals. However, for centuries, not a single major European war has bypassed our land, leaving its bloody traces. "How many foreign invaders, eager to enslave and destroy Belarus, have sunk into oblivion thanks to the fact that a formidable force has invariably stood in their way - a patriotic people, ready to fight for every inch of their native land to the last drop of blood. Heroic warriors are revered by us as righteous people who gave their lives for the Fatherland," noted Alexander Lukashenko. According to the President, Belarusian officers and soldiers have always been an indisputable example of courage, determination, and loyalty to the Motherland. They walked through fire and death without hesitation during the Great Patriotic War, fulfilled their international military duty, risking their lives, and saved the country from the consequences of the Chernobyl disaster. They have always been on the front lines, protecting our peace and tranquility. At the same time, Alexander Lukashenko emphasized: "The army rose from its knees - our Fatherland was reborn. Together with you, we have built the Armed Forces of sovereign Belarus." Addressing the officers, the head of state said: "For the first time in its centuries-long history, Belarus has gained sovereignty. And you are called upon to defend this great achievement of all of us and our people. This is a great honor and a huge responsibility. So may the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus always be the pride and reliable support of the country, and military service - a matter of special state importance and high moral value, a true school of maturation and citizenship for our youth." The country's security system has withstood the test of strength, but this system needs constant improvement, as the conditions in which we live are radically changing, the President emphasized. New times bring new threats that cannot be eliminated by old methods. External and internal challenges require special attention and the ability to provide an adequate response. "The reality is that it is Belarus today that demonstrates to the whole world how to defend sovereignty, stability, and security, but we must always be vigilant and keep our powder dry," noted Alexander Lukashenko. According to the head of state, in the current conditions, the high responsibility of the leaders of security agencies, of every officer for ensuring conditions for the creative work of the Belarusian people is especially necessary. In this regard, he noted: "We have very complex and responsible tasks ahead of us. Including the implementation of the new National Security Concept, further modernization of the Armed Forces, maintaining their high combat readiness and morale. For this, you have not only the necessary resources, but most importantly - the full support of the state and the people, the awareness of each citizen of their involvement in defending the Fatherland, their responsibility for maintaining peace and stability in our common Belarusian home." Today, a person in uniform, whether a soldier or an employee of other security agencies, serves as a model of courage, honesty, and integrity, Alexander Lukashenko is convinced. That is why the difficult, but noble and necessary profession of defending the Motherland enjoys constant respect in society. The President of Belarus presented general's shoulder straps to representatives of the highest officer staff of the security agencies. The next special rank of Lieutenant General of Militia was awarded to Anatoly Kuleshov, the next military rank of Major General of Justice - to Alexander Konyuk, the next military rank of Major General - to Oleg Belokonev and Andrei Ravkov. The class rank of State Counselor of Justice of the 3rd class was awarded to the Prosecutor of the Brest region, Sergey Khmaruk. The head of state wished everyone success for the benefit of the Fatherland. -0-