Lukashenka emphasized the similarity and closeness of Slavic peoples, Belarusians and Russians

President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, during a meeting with the Governor of the Vologda Region of Russia Georgy Filimonov on August 25, stated the similarity between the two Slavic peoples, Belarusian and Russian, as reported by a BELTA correspondent.

At the beginning of his meeting with the head of the Russian region, the head of state mentioned the well-known song by "Pesnyary" - a Belarusian-Russian collective, as the President described it. Thanks to their composition "Vologda," many in Belarus and beyond associate this Russian city, region, and its inhabitants specifically with this song. "Including thanks to the Russian-Belarusian, one might say, collective "Pesnyary," you have become the most recognizable and close to Belarus people. We are glad about this," Alexander Lukashenko said.

He explained why he named the group in this way and what role the history of its development in the period after the collapse of the Soviet Union plays here. “It was necessary to revive this group. Few people talk about it now. But during the time of rampant nationalism in Belarus (and indeed it flourished here for several years, a couple of years before the election of the President), some tried to reject everything Russian and Russian-related. They refused and (tried. - Note by BELTA) to force society to do so. But, as you can see, society did not accept this message,” the President emphasized.

Alexander Lukashenko said that at the beginning of his presidency he met with members of the group and was well acquainted with Vladimir Mulyavin, who in that difficult creative period asked for help to return to the stage. “Of course, we did everything so that Pesnyary would return,” the head of state said. He noted that the song “Vologda” performed by this group is known and highly valued, and loved both in the city itself, in the region, and in Belarus. “All of Russia and Belarus know and love the work of Pesnyary, including this seemingly simple but great song. Indeed, everything great is in the simple,” the Belarusian leader noted.

Addressing Georgy Filimonov, the President remarked that this was his first visit to Belarus and that this could be considered a significant oversight. “It’s improper. Well, how can it be? Close by, kindred spirits – and it’s their first time here. But I think this is only the beginning, and when you are in Moscow or somewhere closer to us, you will always find time to visit Belarus,” he added. “And not only to remind people once again about great Vologda and about yourself (this is also important), but also to check how the agreements we reach with you will be implemented.”

The head of state assured that from the Belarusian side in thisThere should be no problems in this regard, and I have noted the key factors that ensure this interaction is built on a solid foundation, is reliable and long-term. "First of all, I am grateful to the governors for the cooperation we have today. Without you, there would be no such cooperation, especially in the past. Our relations were not as simple and rosy then as they are now. Indeed, difficult times bring people together. Perhaps, Belarusians and Russians, including the leaders of our states," said Alexander Lukashenko.

The Belarusian leader particularly emphasized the importance of cooperation with Russian regions, including those in the central part of the country. "Secondly, cooperation with you is very important to us," he stressed. "Our people have great respect for the Russian people. It is even difficult for me, as a Soviet person, to say that there are Russians, Belarusians... We are in fact one people. We come from the same root, we were born, we are absolutely similar to each other, we have the same principles, and we develop as Slavic peoples should develop. We would like to have the kindest and warmest relations between us."

In turn, Georgy Filimonov thanked the head of the Belarusian state for such "important, warm, correct, programmatic, and constructively oriented" words spoken at the beginning of the meeting. He confirmed that indeed, for the first time in Minsk, and being here, he feels as if at home. "Yes, we are representatives of a single tree, a single Slavic superethnos, bearers of one historical and cultural code, we have a common heritage, a common Victory (we meet in the year of the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory), and we greatly value the feat of our ancestors, who created the very possibility for us to live, have children, develop, and pass this on."“passed down from generation to generation,” emphasized Georgy Filimonov.

According to him, this community can be characterized by the Soviet heritage, as stated by the President of Belarus, with whom Georgy Filimonov agrees. “I also often stumble when someone hints to me or I am forced to utter routine, diplomatic phrases, make bows, and call Belarusians foreigners. I cannot even allow myself this internally,” said the head of the Vologda region.

“We, together with our Belarusian colleagues, brothers, and comrades, defend historical memory, fight for truth and historical justice. And we are winning. I am confident that in every sense, victory will be ours,” stated Georgy Filimonov.

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