Lukashenko shared morality tale with young people at New Year's Eve Ball

The Republican New Year's Eve Ball – which is already a good Belarusian tradition – has been held at the Palace of Independence, and President Aleksandr Lukashenko has also taken part, addressing young people with warm words and heartful wishes

At the beginning of the ball, the Head of State noted that there was little time left until the New Year’s night. Results are traditionally being summed up these days, and people are trying to complete all the planned tasks. The President is no exception. “I have much work to do as well, and it is not only here. In recent times, I rarely spend time here, at my workplace. I planned to work today, but heard so great noise here. I wondered what happened and went to have a look. I have come, and that has been apparently not in vain,” Aleksandr Lukashenko smiled.

The President then shared a morality tale with the young people present. It happened in St. Petersburg after the completion of the informal CIS summit. “We, the presidents, were in the bus. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the President of Kazakhstan who is a smart and talented man, looked around – actually, St. Petersburg is beautiful – and told Putin, “A year has passed, and it's like we haven't left St. Petersburg since last year. Time is passing so fast." The year has flown past in just a moment.”

The President noted that all people are waiting for New Year's surprises, holidays and, naturally, gifts. “We are all happy. There is no such person who probably would not be happy about the New Year. However, there is also a sad point. This is the story that I have told you: every year, no matter how much we planned or thought about surprises, we always say (some with sadness and some with joy) that another year has passed. Probably, this is the only sad point, if speaking of our daily routine,” Aleksandr Lukashenko added.