Lukashenko: The key mission of Slavianski Bazaar is to create peace

The key mission of the international art festival Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk is to create peace. Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko made the statement during the opening ceremony of the 32nd international art festival Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk on 13 July, BelTA has learned. Aleksandr Lukashenko said: “The motto of the festival ‘Through art to peace and mutual understanding' has never been more relevant than it is today. Slavonic unity, the unity of all sensible people is once again being put to the test. But here, in Vitebsk year after year we see how it is getting stronger. And the number of our friends grows larger. Artists from the remotest parts of the planet perform on this stage. By coming to us, they say no to all the artificially created barriers between nations and countries, to all the enforced stereotypes and opinions about our countries.”

The president said: “Year after year, as we gather under the dome of the Vitebsk amphitheater we create peace together. Belarusians and Russians. And I am confident there are plenty of Ukrainians here. And our guests. We create peace! And it is the key mission of Slavianski Bazaar.” The festival takes place under the patronage of the Belarus president and the president has a role to play during the festival. “I highly appreciate my right to present well-deserved awards on this stage,” the Belarusian leader noted.

This year Aleksandr Lukashenko presented the grand prix of the 21st international children's music contest Vitebsk to the young Kazakh performer Sherkhan Arystan. During the festival's opening ceremony the head of state also presented a special prize “Through art to peace and mutual understanding” to the Honored