Vladimir Terentyev: "Belarus must be economically powerful and politically united, for which all of us must work tirelessly and create"

— Previously, I would like to share a small life observation. Until recently, when meeting and parting, at events and gathering around a festive table, we wished each other, first of all, health. But since 2022, the wish for peace and a clear sky overhead has come to the forefront. After the start of the special military operation in a neighboring country, we began to set priorities differently. And now, a peaceful sky is much more important to us, and health has receded into the background, even though the COVID story has left a certain imprint on our worldview.

Figuratively speaking, the head of state heard this message from each of us and declared 2023 the Year of Peace and Creation. So it is quite logical – all our thoughts today are about the triumph of peace and harmony. But at the same time, we should not forget, as the President of Belarus constantly reminds us, about the famous Roman maxim regarding what needs to be done when you want peace… That is precisely why, in the context of the peace-loving policy of our state, we also talk about creation: the country must be economically powerful, politically united, for which we all need to work tirelessly, to create.

And I will allow myself one more personal aspect. I am not a passionate fan, but recently every morning I wait for hockey news from overseas: how the Washington Capitals played, whether Alexander Ovechkin scored and how many goals he has left to score to become the best sniper in NHL history. The example of this great athlete is very telling. Despite everything, Alexander does not change his political views. Although some people overseas do not like it, they are forced to listen to him and accept him as he is. Because he is the strongest. And he is respected.

This is also the case in our situation. We need to create a strong state, it is important to build a powerful Belarus with a strong economy and a united society, a high quality of life, otherwise you will not be reckoned with. Therefore, peace and creation are complementary concepts.

"Vitebskiye Vesti", photo by SB