Conferment of state awards

Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko presented state prizes and awards to workers of various industries at the Palace of Independence on 28 April.

“Today is a remarkable day for all of you and for the country in general. In the solemn atmosphere in the run-up to the May holidays we honor the best people of Belarus whose labor and creative achievements bring glory and respect to our young and sovereign state,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

The President remarked that the country is proud of the winners of the state prizes of Belarus in science and technology, art, literature and architecture for 2016. Belarusian doctors who have performed many complicated surgeries to transplant complexes of organs are in the vanguard of scientific achievements in the country.

“The creation of a new segment and the application of advanced technologies give a powerful impulse to the dynamic development of Belarusian healthcare, its promotion to the leading positions in the world,” the head of state emphasized. “I think that it is possible to achieve this goal with such talented people as our state prize winners from the National Research Center for the Transplantation of Organs and Tissues at Minsk clinical hospital No. 9, the National Cardiology Research Center. These are the beacons for other organizations and industries.”

The State Prize in Science and Technology has been conferred on scientists and specialists of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, OAO Integral and OAO Planar for the creation of a new class of microelectronic devices. These devices can be used in various fields, from spacecraft and armament systems to the equipment of electronic enterprises. Scientific achievements are used in the production process. Belarusian manufacturers produce 137 kinds of double-purpose and special-purpose devices.

“There is a rather good economic effect. The volume of export deliveries of these devices made up about $350 million. It is important that we have made a real step in the creation of a high-tech production base complying with the 5^th and 6^thtechnological paradigms,” Aleksandr Lukashenko added.

Two state prizes were presented in art. One of them was given to the representatives of the National Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theater for the Sedaya Legenda production. “This large-scale music and theater project reflecting the history of our state has been included in the golden collection of the theater and has become an important landmark in the development of our national art,” the President said.

The second prize was conferred on composer Vladimir Kondrusevich for the creation of a number of big music pieces.

“The fact that the today’s event is attended by a big group of people honored with state awards testifies to their outstanding labor achievements and a contribution to the strengthening of our country,” the Belarusian leader emphasized.

The Orders of Honor were conferred on workers of Kozlov Minsk Electrotechnical Plant: electric welder Vasily Zhigimont and project manager of the promising development department Lengin Stabrovsky.

The same award was presented to Director General of OAO Road Construction Trust No. 3 Grigory Timofeyev. Head of OAO Grodnopromstroy Abdulvagab Vagabov was honored with the Order of Fatherland 3^rd Class. These enterprises have implemented projects of great importance for the country. These are the renovation of the Minsk-Mogilev and Minsk-Gomel motorways, the second ring road around Minsk, the construction of the Belarusian nuclear power plant, an aviation repair plant, residential houses and schools.

Aleksandr Lukashenko especially praised the achievements of Belarusian athletes. The Orders of Honor were conferred on athletes of Belarus’ national teams Vladimir Samsonov and Victoria Azarenka. “I often say to great athletes, I also said this to Vika [Azarenka], that they have achieved a lot. Now you need to find people like you, train and help them achieve this height. This is a true gift for the country when you do great deeds and help other people do the same,” he said.

Among the awardees there were many excellent organizers and creative people. “We especially value such people for their professionalism, many-year work with people, the ability to cope with responsible tasks,” Aleksandr Lukashenko remarked. “In recognition of their merits they are honored with state awards. These people represent crucial industries such as manufacturing, transport, agriculture, science, medicine, art, sport, and the power-wielding sector.”

Among the awardees is doctor of the 432^nd main military clinical medical center Robert Yermolkevich. He received the Honored Doctor of Belarus title. Rector of the Belarusian State University Sergei Ablameiko was given the Honored Scientist of Belarus title. Director General of Belsadpitomnik Anatoly Korenko became the Honored Worker of Agriculture of Belarus.

“All of you deserve honor and respect in our society. I hope that the prizes and awards will stimulate you to make new achievements for the benefit of our Belarus,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said. “Please accept my sincere congratulations on this significant event in your lives and profound gratitude for your work and an active civil position.”

The participants of the ceremony also had an excursion in the Palace of Independence and saw the exhibition of famous Belarusian artist Semyon Domorad.