‘Three Slavic nations – Russia, Ukraine and Belarus – must sit down and come to an agreement’

Head of State Aleksandr Lukashenko continues meetings with university students in the Open Microphone with the President format

Last Friday the meeting was held at the Minsk State Linguistic University. In addition to students of this university, representatives of the teaching staff, students, undergraduates from other educational institutions were also invited to the event, including the Academy of Public Administration under the President of Belarus, the Belarusian State University (BSU), the Belarusian State Economic University (BSEU), the Belarusian State Pedagogical University (BSPU), and MITSO International University. It was the third meeting with students in this format this year.

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Role of media

Answering a question from a student of the BSU Journalism Department about whether it is not time to consider journalists not a classical fourth power, but the first (after the President), the Head of State noted, “Journalists should always remember: they are the fourth power! Not the first one.” 
The role of mass media is great today, Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed, “You are at the forefront, as well as our journalists, including those present here. If you want to know the truth, read and watch the state media. It is true that already 60 percent and more people trust these media (it wasn’t like that before). Why so? People have found out where the truth lies. I advise you to be very attentive to this. I’m not saying that you shouldn’t see other, alternative points of view, you should see them — if you are able to analyse and draw the appropriate conclusions. It does not mean that the state media and the authorities do everything right and don’t make mistakes. But in this information war, you have to be very careful, cautious and accurate. You have to figure it out. And in this respect, journalists should help the society as well.”
Aleksandr Lukashenko is convinced,

“The role of the media is very great now, and my attitude towards journalists is very serious. I have paid and still pay great attention to working with journalists, because I understand that a lot depends on you. You are shaping the image not only of the present, but also of the future of our society.”

The Head of State advised young people not to be shy in proposing their ideas, “If you, based on knowledge and personal experience, see how we can improve, first of all, the educational process, some approaches to working with the youth — you’re welcome to voice your ideas. We’ll discuss it. Your opinion is very important to me. You know, there are no restrictions on topics. I am ready to answer your questions.”

Presidential formula for intercultural dialogue

Answering the question from a student of the Minsk State Linguistic University about the Presidential formula for intercultural communication, the Head of State shared his experience gained during international trips, negotiations and communication, “I always try to do everything to promote my culture in intercultural communication. That is my job. This refers not only to culture, but also to the economy, sports, education, healthcare, economics, industry, agriculture, trade, and so on. That’s my point…”
With that in view, the Belarusian leader mentioned the Republican Festival of National Cultures, which is organised in Grodno. He called it ‘a great event that welcomes representatives of different cultures’. “This festival is increasingly becoming a landmark for our country,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
The President also mentioned the large-scale social and cultural action — Marathon of Unity — which is currently taking place in the republic, “We started with a concert, and we are now working over the improvement. There is also a certain dialogue going on there. Not everything is always good, and I am also informed on this — including by you. There can be found different nasty comments on the Internet, but we study them and draw appropriate conclusions. Practice is my sphere of responsibility, while you know everything else better than I do.”

Students have a chance to ask their questions within the Open Microphone with the President event at Minsk State Linguistic
University        BELTA

Humans are preferable, not AI

The Head of State was asked whether artificial intelligence (AI) replaces translators for him when communicating with foreign partners, and Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that, indeed, AI can replace humans in certain positions in the future, and then shared his view on the issue, “As a practical person, I always have translators from the Linguistic University. I do not use artificial intelligence for translation.”
“Does this mean you have jobs available?” the girl clarified. The Head of State assured her, “Yes, I have great respect for talented people.”
Aleksandr Lukashenko mentioned Anastasia Semashko, a simultaneous interpreter from Chinese with perfect knowledge of the language, as an example. The lady works at the Belarusian Embassy in China, but will soon return to her homeland, where she will be able to continue to polish her professional mastery. According to the President, real professionals in their field will definitely be in demand.
“It’s not about artificial intelligence, the fact is that I appreciate a person. Any artificial intelligence today is a product of man. We are its authors, but I am sure — when artificial intelligence and neural networks take over the minds and humanity in practice — the person will still be at the centre. Therefore, I am not refusing you [translators]. Man will create everything, and man is such a creature that can destroy themselves (through nuclear weapons, and so on),” the Belarusian leader added.

Belarus’ main vector in foreign policy

Responding to the accusations of Belarus’ multi-vector policy that sometimes are voiced from outside, the Head of State, in particular, stressed, “Our foreign policy is multi-vector not because I want this, but because it is the only way out. We must be on good terms with the West, with the East, with the Global South, and so on. Why should we quarrel? The vectors are different, and that’s the point. However, Russia is our main vector. These are our people. Our resources are from there, and our market is there today. Given the frenzied sanctions imposed against Russia and Belarus, we would not have survived without Russia. We have reoriented to Russia, China, and other countries. We sold billions of Dollars of products to the West, but this market is closed today. Where should we export to? Therefore, it is necessary to think over and act in the way so that our people live [normally].” 

Interests of Belarus should not be infringed 

The Head of State stressed that as far as the Ukrainian issue is concerned, he does not accept any mediation from the outside.

“We, three Slavic nations — Russia, Ukraine and Belarus — must sit down and come to an agreement. Why Belarusians? Because there is a war at our fence, at our border. And our interests must be respected. That’s all! Our interests are there. We want our interests not to be infringed upon when negotiating on Ukraine. We would not like anyone’s interests to be resolved here at our expense,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

Vision of Belarus’ future

Answering the question from Veronika Krayevskaya, a student of the Belarusian State Economic University, about Belarus’ place in the new world order and in the future in general, Aleksandr Lukashenko noted, “The future of our Belarus will be under your leadership. You will cherish your country (or not), protect it (or not). I am sure that you will defend it, especially if you have children. This will be a country for your children and my grandchildren.”
Speaking about Belarus’ place in the new world order, the Head of State noted, “I want you to be in this Belarus, to be able to work and earn money. And I want you to control your destiny and your country. That is, to put it simply. And for this you should define its face, starting with the Presidential election and expressing your position — culturally, intelligently forming opinions in society. This is what the Belarusian People’s Congress was created for.”
“Decent and disciplined — this is how I see Belarus. I see my country peaceful, comfortable for life, so that our children will be proud of it,” Aleksandr Lukashenko concluded.


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Visit to Pakistan

President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko has paid an official visit to Pakistan this week
As reported by the press service of the Belarusian leader, the main attention at the meetings in Islamabad was paid to the further expansion of interaction.
Aleksandr Lukashenko held talks with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during which the most promising areas of co-operation and a joint action plan for the future were discussed. Special attention was paid to the topic of regional and global security, liaison across international platforms. In parallel with the visit of the Head of State, a Pakistani-Belarusian business forum was held in Islamabad. Read more in our next issue.

Based on materials of sb.by and belta.by