Volozhin Region
Executive Committee

Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko has congratulated Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić on Statehood Day, the press service of the Belarusian leader told BelTA.

“Our country rejoices in Serbia’s impressive achievements in securing the stability of the national economy and improving the prosperity of its citizens in today’s extremely complicated conditions,” the congratulatory message reads.

The head of state emphasized that despite obstacles and challenges Minsk and Belgrade find new opportunities for cooperation in priority areas.

The president confirmed his unchanging interest in developing fruitful cooperation with Serbia, in continuing political dialogue, and expanding contacts at all levels.

“We are intent on defending our common goals and values in the international arena and supporting each other on topical issues on the regional agenda and the global one in the future. I am confident that the successful partnership between Minsk and Belgrade will contribute to peace and stability on the European continent,” the Belarusian leader stressed.

Aleksandr Lukashenko wished Aleksandar Vučić good health, the fulfillment of his plans, and success in his responsible state activities, and wished the fraternal Serbian people prosperity and progress.

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On Sunday, 15 February the Orthodox Church celebrated the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord Jesus at the Temple. This is one of the great feasts of the Orthodox calendar, standing alongside Christmas and the Epiphany of the Lord.

According to Old Testament law, every firstborn male was to be consecrated to God; however, this rite could not be performed until at least 40 days after the boy's birth. The parents were required not only to present the child to God but also to offer a purification sacrifice. In fulfillment of this requirement, Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus to the Jerusalem Temple, and for the sacrifice, they chose two young pigeons. The Most Holy Virgin Mary had no need for purification, but out of deep humility, she submitted to the requirement.

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Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko is personally inspecting the combat readiness of the Armed Forces. As part of a snap inspection, the head of state arrived at the 227th combined arms training ground in Borisov District on 13 February, BelTA has learned.

Upon arrival, the head of state heard a report on the progress of the inspection. Details were provided by Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin, who was informed of the president’s unexpected visit only at 7 am.

Aleksandr Lukashenko inquired about the preliminary results of the inspection. “The army is capable of fighting. All marches were completed, no personnel or equipment were lost along the way,” State Secretary of the Security Council Aleksandr Volfovich said.

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Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin talked to reporters on 13 February and explained what effect the snap inspection of the combat readiness of the Armed Forces is expected to produce, BelTA has learned.

Viktor Khrenin said: “As an effect we have to stay on our toes all the time. Military personnel should be ready morally and physically. And certainly, they need professional training.”

The minister remarked that if an armed conflict begins, the adversary counts on surprise and tries to dictate terms. “We should avoid a situation where we get overwhelmed, where we are at a loss and disperse. We should retaliate right away,” he stated.

When asked about the progress of the Belarusian army’s snap inspection authorized by the head of state, Viktor Khrenin noted that it is too early to sum up the results yet. “The commander-in-chief has personally inspected the combat readiness of the Armed Forces. He examined the deployment area and the battalion’s command post, heard a report from the commanding officer, and evaluated the accommodation and amenities available to the military personnel,” the Defense Ministry head pointed out.

Apart from that, the Belarus president checked shooting skills of the military personnel. “Yes, one shooter did not do well. Another one did better. But it will be just like that [in an actual firefight]. Some have better training. Some have worse training,” Viktor Khrenin stated.

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Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko has received an invitation to attend the first meeting of leaders for the Board of Peace, press secretary of the Belarusian president Natalya Eismont told BelTA.

"Indeed, an invitation to the first meeting of leaders within the framework of the Board of Peace has been extended to the Belarusian president. Unfortunately, we received it late, and the president's work schedule for this period had already been planned. Yes, we would gladly visit the United States of America, but there are matters that cannot be postponed,” the press secretary stated. “Furthermore, we are also taking into account potential logistical difficulties that may arise due to illegal sanctions, primarily those by the European Union, given the closure of EU airspace.”

“As a result, while we appreciate the invitation, the president will not be able to participate in this event. At the same time, let me emphasize: we fully share the commitment of the U.S. president and the Board of Peace to resolving all global conflicts through peaceful means,” Natalya Eismont said.

She noted that the Minister of Foreign Affairs will represent Belarus in Washington. He is fully versed in the matters of Belarus’ participation in the Board of Peace and other issues concerning the regional situation and bilateral Belarusian-U.S relations.

“The USA has already been informed of this decision,” the press secretary said.

As it has been reported, the United States plans to hold a Board of Peace meeting in Washington on 19 February.

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Trade between Belarus and China can be significantly increased, as China has demand for Belarusian goods, political scientist Piotr Petrovsky said in a new episode of the V Teme [On Point] project on BelTA’s YouTube channel.

“I believe that the share of Belarusian-Chinese trade could be doubled or even increased two and a half times. There is demand for this. The fact is that China is transitioning to a so-called dual circulation economy, where exports and imports need to be balanced,” Piotr Petrovsky said. Currently, a significant portion of goods manufactured in China is exported. In the analyst’s view, this is also a disadvantage for China, as it creates dependence on the situation in sales markets.

In his opinion, China wants to boost domestic consumption, not only of its own goods but also of products from strategic partners and allies. “Belarus should move in this direction,” he added. The political analyst noted that Belarusian goods could be more widely represented not only in traditional retail but also in Chinese online stores.

Piotr Petrovsky also highlighted the development of joint manufacturing ventures between Belarus and China. He cited cooperation between Minsk Automobile Plant (MAZ trademark) and Chinese engine manufacturer Weichai as an example. “We have started producing all the components for MAZ products that were previously purchased abroad - engines, assemblies, gearboxes. This allowed us to weather the negative impact of sanctions with almost no losses,” the analyst emphasized.

He also pointed out that Belarus not only fulfils all its transit obligations for Chinese goods but also serves as a strong technological hub for Chinese manufacturers, which is an equally important area of cooperation.

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Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized the need to further strengthen the country's defense capabilities. This topic was the focus of a meeting to discuss the Armed Forces procurement and the development of the military-industrial complex of the Republic of Belarus, BelTA has learned.

Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized that in modern conditions, only a state capable of ensuring its own military security can be considered self-sufficient. “Whether we like it or not but we will have to strengthen our defense capabilities. I have long warned the Belarusian people about this, and you are even more aware of it ,” the head of state said.

“The military build-up near our borders, particularly in Poland, does more than just concern us. We understand that such actions are not taken without reason. People do not simply spend money on tanks and ammunition for no purpose. Therefore, in light of the special military operation by the Russian Federation, I made the decision at the time to strengthen our defense capabilities on an even larger scale,” the president said.

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The 38th Independent Guards Air Assault Brigade based in Brest has been put on heightened alert as part of the ongoing combat readiness inspection of the Belarusian army authorized by the president, BelTA has learned.

Sergei Kuprik, Advisor to the State Secretary of the Security Council, noted: “In accordance with the plan on inspecting the Armed Forces upon the decision of the head of state today we are bringing individual units of a special operations forces formation to the highest degree of combat readiness. Once the units are ready for combat deployment, they will have to carry out their assigned missions in a complicated tactical environment. After that every servicemen and respectively every unit will be evaluated based on results of shooting tests and physical fitness tests.”

In particular, the military personnel will have to demonstrate their ability to shoot all kinds of weapons and will have to pass endurance and strength tests.

Valery Bulygo, commanding officer of the 38th brigade, has given instructions to unit commanders regarding consequent fulfillment of assigned missions.

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Funding for scientific activity and the remuneration of scientists should depend primarily on results, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said at a meeting to discuss the draft decree on improving scientific activity in the country, BelTA has learned.

The head of state recalled that issues concerning the development of domestic science were recently discussed at a large-scale meeting (the meeting to discuss the development of the scientific sector and the activities of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus on 21 November 2025): “At that time, a number of old, recurring issues were raised. Unfortunately, there was nothing new in the remarks of Vladimir Stepanovich [Karanik, Chairman of the Presidium of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus] regarding the development and, perhaps, the reform or modernization of our Academy of Sciences. However, we agreed that we would prepare a draft decree on improving scientific activity in general, and that you would submit this draft decree for consideration.”

“I had quite a few questions after reviewing the draft decree, and I would like to discuss them with you. At the previous meeting, we agreed that when it comes to money, to payment, the mechanism is one, which is to pay for results. If there is a result, we pay. If there is no result, there will be no money. No matter how our undoubtedly intelligent scientists present this issue,” the head of state emphasized.

Aleksandr Lukashenko requested a report on how the draft decree ensures the achievement of goals and what instruments are proposed for this purpose. President noted. “So far, not much is clearly outlined: basic funding and opportunities for scientists to teach at universities. Well, who’s against that? No one is against it. In my opinion, today this process is successfully developing,” the president remarked. “But what about the efficiency and results of scientific activity? Here we have referential norms, as lawyers say: ‘This will be determined by the government’. So why are we even submitting a draft decree?”

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The Belarusian Special Olympics delegation received official participant medals at the Open Masters Games in Abu Dhabi. They were presented during a team reception at the Belarusian Embassy in the UAE, BelTA has learned.

For the entire team, the meeting with Belarusian diplomats was a true celebration. The warm support from their compatriots is palpable, providing an energy boost ahead of the competitions at the Zayed Sports City Arena in the UAE capital, Larisa Tabolina, the head of the delegation, said. She also mentioned that besides the official reception, the Belarusian diplomats prepared an interesting cultural program. The guests visited Abu Dhabi’s most vibrant and iconic locations before heading to the shores of the Persian Gulf to relax. The athletes and coaches said the day felt like a fairytale – they experienced the city’s unique architecture and history, and the sunny seaside proved an ideal place for a mental recharge after intense training and competitions. Such support from their compatriots allowed the team to feel at home, despite being thousands of kilometers away. The Belarusian diplomats wished the athletes luck, emphasizing that their participation in the Games is not just about sport, but a mission showcasing Belarus’ strength and inclusivity to the world.

The Games spotlight inspiring human stories, with athletes aged 30 to 90 competing in the UAE capital. At the Open Masters Games in Abu Dhabi, Belarusians will contend for medals in athletics events, including various distance races, high jump, long jump, hammer throw, and shot put. The Belarusian delegation includes students from the Glusk Children’s Social Boarding Home Vesnovo. This is a social service institution for children with disabilities and young adults with special psychophysical development needs. Brothers Oleg and Aleksandr Medovsky, Anna Pestova, Alesya Poznyak, and Grigory Dyuvbakov will take to the sporting arenas. Their coach, Aleksandr Petrov, has been actively promoting the ideals of Special Olympics for over 30 years. Despite life’s challenges, these individuals remain open, disciplined, and incredibly positive - a shining example of how hard work and a coach’s support can turn dreams into world-class medals. Belarusians are competing at these events thanks to the long-term cooperation between the Presidential Sports Club and the Belarusian Special Olympics Committee.

The Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 is the largest multi-sport event of its kind. It involves over 25,000 athletes from more than 120 countries, who will compete for medals in 33 sports. Among these are football, basketball, volleyball, rugby, athletics, swimming, cycling, tennis, badminton, judo, karate, Muay Thai, sailing regattas, and canoe races.

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