Lukashenko: it’s hardly possible to mention all examples when people from all over the world find their second homeland in Belarus

There are many examples when people from all over the world find their second Homeland in the republic – as noted by President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko at today’s meeting with representatives of different nationalities who live in Belarus

photo: www.president.gov.by

The Head of State voiced a number of historical facts. In particular, he noted that Jews came to the Belarusian land more than 600 years ago, “Persecuted in various parts of the world, here they found the opportunity to live freely and peacefully. Until the beginning of the Great Patriotic War, their population was second only to the native now. Needless to say, the Belarusian land became a cradle for three presidents of the State of Israel: Zalman Shazar, Chaim Weizmann, and Shimon Peres.”

The President added that Tatars came to the Belarusian land at the same time as Jews, “These are unique people: brave, fair, and warlike. They came to us with peace, at the invitation of local princes to defend our borders. By beating their swords into ploughshares, Tatars made a great contribution to the development of the material and spiritual culture of Belarus. At present, the city of Ivye – which is one of the centres of their compact residence – is rightfully famous for its successes in the economic and spiritual spheres.”

According to Aleksandr Lukashenko, representatives of the Azerbaijani people are also successfully arranging their lives in Belarus. “Kamandar Majidov, Natik Bagirov and many others have glorified our country with Olympic and world achievements,” he said.

The Armenian diaspora occupies an important place as well. “Suffice it to say that one of the first leaders of the Belarusian Soviet Socialist Republic was Armenian Aleksandr Myasnikov (Myasnikyan),” the Head of State noted.

The President continued, “Multinational Dagestan is represented by 17 nationalities in Belarus. We have given the opportunity to start a new, peaceful life to the citizens of Afghanistan and Palestine, where armed confrontation and bloodshed have not stopped for many years. There are countless examples of people from all over the world who are finding their second Homeland in our country.”