Aleksandr Lukashenko meets with graduates of Belarusian, Russian military universities

Belarus does not have geopolitical ambitions but the country should defend national interests and bolster its military security, said President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko at the reception held on 5 July for graduates of military education institutions of Belarus and Russia.

For this Belarus has a modern army, the President stressed.

Aleksandr Lukashenko remarked that annual receptions for graduates of military education institutions of Belarus and Russia had become a good tradition. They are held in early July when the Belarusians celebrate the Independence Day. “These days we recall the deeds of soldiers and officers of brotherly Soviet nations during the Great Patriotic War. It was them who fought shoulder to shoulder to defend freedom, well-being and peaceful skies above us,” the head of state said.

According to Aleksandr Lukashenko, the values inherited from the generation of victors have never been more important. By the second decade of the 21st century the mankind had failed to work out reliable mechanisms to ensure security in the world. Politicians of global superpowers still prefer speaking the language of force while talking to the nations that resist their influence. Events in Iraq, Egypt, and Libya, the situation in Iran and Syria vividly testify to it.

The President pointed out the importance of bolstering the military security of Belarus. He emphasized: “We have managed to secure high morale and professional skills of the Belarusian army”.

Addressing the graduates of military education institutions, Aleksandr Lukashenko said: “Starting tomorrow you will shoulder on the responsibility for the state and development of the Armed Forces, other troops and military units. You will have to deal with combat readiness and equipment of troops on a daily basis. However, enhancing the feeling of patriotism among the military should be a priority. To make it happen, every one of you has all the necessary qualities, service experience and the best modern education”.

"But in order to meet the demands of time, one needs to improve, take initiative, be aware of all novelties in the country. Of course, not all graduates will become generals," the President said. "But the knowledge you were given in military universities should be used to defend our Fatherland," the head of state added.

The President expressed confidence that the years spent in the university will be bet remembered for not only new knowledge, but also friends and colleagues.

Aleksandr Lukashenko addressed most cordial words to representatives of the Armed Forces of Kazakhstan.

“It seems like it was yesterday when the best officers of this friendly state came here for training. And here is the third class of graduates of the General Staff Department of the Military Academy,” the President said.

The joint training of Belarusian and Kazakhstan officers is another testimony to efficient military cooperation and strong friendly ties between Belarus and Kazakhstan, President Aleksandr Lukashenko is convinced.

Aleksandr Lukashenko also presented letters of thanks to university graduates. The awards were presented to the military, state security officers and emergencies ministry officers for academic and service achievements.

Aleksandr Lukashenko presented general’s shoulder straps to Belarusian senior officers. Igor Shunevich was awarded the title of Major General of the police; Igor Matrashilo, Alexander Volfovich, Andrei Nekrashevich and Vladimir Moiseyenko were awarded the title of Major General of the Armed Forces. A personal title of counselor of state of the customs service, third class, was awarded to Yuri Brytkov; a class ranking of the counselor of state of justice, third class, was bestowed upon Alexander Arkhipov.

When congratulating the graduates, Aleksandr Lukashenko expressed hope that high estimate of their education will be a good stimulus for further service. Addressing new generals, the President stressed: "Being the general is a great honor because this rank is awarded to the most merited people."