Volozhin Region
Executive Committee

Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko heard a report from Prime Minister of Belarus Aleksandr Turchin on 5 May, BelTA has learned.

“Our head of state is expected to meet with the president of the Russian Federation soon. Literally yesterday I talked to my counterpart – Russian Federation Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. Among other things we discussed the possible agenda of the meeting of our leaders, our joint projects, further actions, including within the framework of the Union State [of Belarus and Russia]. Within literally the next few days we will prepare information for the head of state in anticipation of the conversation with Vladimir Putin. It was the main topic of my report to the head of state,” Aleksandr Turchin told reporters after the meeting.

A number of current matters were discussed, including those concerning the social and economic development of the country.

The prime minister noted that before he delivered his report to the president, the head of state had hosted a major conference with the leadership of the Council of Ministers. Concrete matters concerning a number of economy branches were discussed. “There is no doubt that the conference itself touched upon not only the concrete documents that the government had submitted for the president’s consideration but also the overall state of affairs in these economy branches. The topic of our conversation went far beyond the scope of these documents. As always, the president is deeply immersed into details,” Aleksandr Turchin said.

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The Council of the Republic honored media executives and workers on the occasion of the professional holidays - Press Day and Radio, Television and Communications Workers' Day, BelTA has learned.

Representatives of national and regional media received awards from Chairperson of the Council of the Republic Natalya Kochanova. Among those honored was Artem Apanovich, a correspondent of the Belarusian news agency BelTA.

“We are glad that in these first days of May we have the opportunity to meet with you, with those who are on the front lines today, because the information space has become a battlefield in our time. Together, we are thwarting attempts to distort information, to spread fake news and lies to the people, to rewrite our history which is sacred to us. We are doing everything possible to ensure that the truth is preserved and passed down from generation to generation,” Natalya Kochanova said addressing those present.

The Speaker noted that the meeting took place on the eve of the professional holidays of media workers and in the run-up to Victory Day. “Now we understand how important it was back then [during the Great Patriotic War] to defend freedom and independence. Today, our opponents are trying to rewrite the truth about those events. But that is all impossible because there are people who work with words, who stand guard over the truth, the sovereignty of our country, and the legacy of older generations,” she noted.

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Belarus’ President Aleksandr Lukashenko signed a decree on 4 May awarding orders, medals, and honorary titles to 58 people from various fields. 

State awards were given for many years of fruitful work, high professionalism, courage and determination shown while rescuing people during a fire, merits in military service, state border protection, crime fighting, a significant personal contribution to strengthening inter-parliamentary cooperation, budget and financial policy, emergency prevention and response, customs service organization, industrial development, construction, agriculture, fuel and energy, standardization, metrology and certification, as well as achievements in trade, social protection, geodesy, healthcare, science, education, and culture.

The Order of Honor was awarded to Georgy Vershina, Director General of  BNTU Science and Technology Park Politechnik; Oleg Dashkevich, General Director of Minskpromstroi; and Pavel Serenkov, Head of the Department of Standardization, Metrology and Information Systems at Belarusian National Technical University (BNTU).

The president also presented the Medal for Saved Life to Senior Sergeant of the 153rd Separate Radio Engineering Brigade of the Armed Forces of Belarus Roman Leonov, and Sergei Shindikov, a livestock farmer at the Ovsyanka named after Melnik agricultural enterprise in Goretsky district.

A large group of law enforcement and military personnel received medals For Distinction in Military Service, For Distinction in Maintaining Public Order, For Distinction in State Border Protection, and For Distinction in Emergency Prevention and Response. Among them are Colonel Yuri Goman, Head of a Department at the State Border Committee; Andrei Tsalko, Senior Inspector of the Operational Control Department at the Vitebsk Customs Office; Lieutenant Colonel Maksim Khvalko, Head of a mobile group of the 18th Border Guard Unit; and Interior Service Lieutenant Colonel Andrey Chuyeshov, Head of the Dobrush District Emergencies Department.

The Medal for Labor Merits was awarded to Fedor Birilo, Head of the construction enterprise Luninets PMK-19; Vladimir Gunko, Director of the Lyakhovichi Peat Briquette Plant; Gennady Karpovich, a lathe operator at Lidagroprommash enterprise; Svetlana Malinovskaya, Director of the Kopyl Territorial Social Service Center; and Vadim Sholonik, Director General of the enterprise MINGAZ.

The Medal of Francysk Skaryna was given to Zoya Vasilenko, Professor at the Department of Public Catering and Meat Products Technology at Belarusian State University of Food and Chemical Technologies; Irina Tur, Director of the Lida Palace of Culture; Oleg Shcherbov, Director of the Soligorsk Children’s Art School; and Svetlana Shibko, Head of a department at the Minsk State Palace of Children and Youth.

The honorary title of People’s Teacher was awarded to Aleksandr Feldman, a mathematics teacher at Secondary School No. 19 named after Yanka Kupala in Minsk.

Puppet theater artist Lyudmila Pavlovskaya, a leading stage master at the Grodno Oblast Puppet Theater, received the title Honored Artist of the Republic of Belarus.

Professor Vadim Kovtun of the Institute of Professional Education, a branch of University of Civil Protection of the Ministry of Emergencies of Belarus, was awarded the title Honored Education Worker of the Republic of Belarus.

The title Honored Customs Officer of the Republic of Belarus was given to Leonarda Lokteva, Head of the Oshmyany Customs Post of the Grodno Oblast Customs.

Leonid Romanin, Director of the Grodno-based enterprise Yasen, received the title Honored Service Worker of the Republic of Belarus.

The title Honored Agricultural Worker of the Republic of Belarus was awarded to Yuri Shapel, Deputy Director General and Chief Engineer at Molochny Mir.

Konstantin Shamin, Director of the Construction Division No. 25 branch of the state enterprise Minskpromstroi, was awarded the title Honored Builder of the Republic of Belarus.

Under a separate executive order, the President’s Gratitude was announced for Tamara Vorobyova, Head Nurse at the Minsk City Social Hospice Ochag; Tatiana Kulesh, Deputy Chairperson of the Gomel Oblast Executive Committee on Labor, Employment and Social Protection; and Galina Savchenko, Director of the Bobruisk Social Hospice Kamenka. They were recognized for many years of fruitful work, high professionalism, and a significant personal contribution to implementing state social protection policies.

The President’s Gratitude was also given to Igor Yankovsky, Deputy Head for Academic and Research Work, First Deputy Head of the Military Engineering Faculty at BNTU, for many years of teaching and a significant personal contribution to training highly qualified specialists for the Armed Forces of Belarus. 

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The experience gained in the development of the trade union movement in Belarus is of interest to other countries, Yuri Senko, Chairman of the Federation of Trade Unions of Belarus (FTUB), told the Belarus 1 TV channel, BelTA has learned.

The trade union movement is 120 years old. According to Yuri Senko, that is considerable experience for such an organization. A unique body of work has been accumulated, and the Federation of Trade Unions continues to refine its methods.

Yuri Senko noted that people trust the trade union movement and want to take part in it. “Today, we have 24,000 primary trade union organizations and 18,000 collective labor agreements. This shows that the collective agreement is a very important document that shapes the relationship between employees and employers. Just in 2025, in addition to wages, workers received about Br5 billion through the collective agreement system. We consider this very substantial support. The amount has grown compared to 2024 by nearly Br400,000,” he said.

Open dialogue is facilitated through trade union sessions. This provides a way to gauge which issues concern people. In over 90% of cases, answers are provided on the spot.

Belarus is ready to share its experience. “Many processes that have long been implemented in our country are only being recommended to countries developing their trade union movements at the International Labor Organization platform. They can take an example from us and study how we protect workers’ rights and how we participate in rule-making activities,” Yuri Senko said. 

A joint commission involving the government, employers, and trade unions is currently working on a new law on the trade union movement. Last year, trade unions became involved in preparing amendments to labor legislation. “We submitted our proposals and suggestions on how we see the resolution of various issues that need to be addressed in legislation at the current stage. Lawmakers heard us on many of them: support for youth, Belarusian women, motherhood and childhood, as well as support on issues related to labor protection and health,” Yuri Senko added.

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Relations between Belarus and Serbia have been good, despite certain nuances, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he met with Serbian Ambassador to Belarus Ilina Vukajlović on 4 May, BelTA has learned.

“There were certain misunderstandings. You know this very well. But we expect that any misunderstandings and any kinds of moves that are unclear to either you or us will pass. Time changes a lot. Especially lately, you see how turbulent this wild world has become. Nevertheless, our relations have been and continue to be good, despite certain nuances,” the head of state said.

Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that he makes it a practice to meet with ambassadors from countries close and friendly to Belarus. “You understand that Serbia is no exception in this regard. It is a very kind, warm, and close country to Belarus. We have always treated your country with the greatest respect, and we always will. And we are not indifferent to the processes taking place in Serbia, to how the situation and circumstances are developing. From whom else, if not from you, can we get such information, open, friendly information?” the president said. “It would be wrong to say that we are unaware of the situation in Serbia. We observe and are aware of the situation as much as possible from a distance, and the embassy keeps us informed. Nevertheless, you know more and can draw our attention to certain issues that may not be visible from Minsk.”

“I would like to hear from you an assessment of what is happening in Serbia and what we in Belarus should focus on,” the head of state said.

The president noted that Serbia’s situation is difficult and has always been so: “Serbia has always been something of an irritant for Western states. Your president often speaks about this. We understand that things are not easy for you. You do not share a border with us or with the Russian Federation, friendly states that are ready at any moment to come to your aid and provide financial, material, and economic support.”

“That is why I said long ago that we will respect your policy toward Western states, toward Belarus, toward Russia, and so on. And that is what we have been doing in recent years,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

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Bishkek (the Kyrgyz Republic) hosted a landmark event for the Eurasian tourism sector, a meeting of the heads of tourism administrations of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states. Belarus was represented at the forum by Kirill Masharsky, Director of the National Tourism Agency. He put forward an initiative to create a SCO unified tourism market, the agency told BelTA.

One of the central items on the Belarusian agenda was strengthening transport connectivity. Belarus expressed its readiness to expand logistical links between Minsk and key cities of SCO countries. 

“The foundation of any tourist flow is accessibility and travel comfort,” Kirill Masharsky emphasized. Plans include not only expanding the geography of flights but also further liberalizing the visa regime. Creating a barrier-free environment is seen as a catalyst capable of significantly increasing mutual tourist exchanges. 

Belarus is ready to offer international partners unique conditions for developing tourism infrastructure: establishing joint tourism clusters, building hotels, recreation parks, and ethnocultural complexes, and developing facilities for family and youth tourism. The country offers transparent conditions, tax incentives, and guarantees for investors.

During the meeting, Belarus presented its tourism priorities: the golden portfolio of national tourism. SCO colleagues showed particular interest in health and wellness tourism, cultural-historical and patriotic tourism, as well as farmsteads, which have already become a hallmark of the country.

The Belarusian side proposed creating joint tourism routes. The idea is to form a SCO unified tourism market where countries do not compete but complement one another, creating cross-border products attractive to tourists from around the world.

Kirill Masharsky expressed confidence in the long-term success of this approach. “We are confident that joint projects, mutual tourist flows, and cultural exchange will make an important contribution to strengthening trust and economic growth, as well as to achieving the sustainable development goals of our entire organization,” he stressed.

The outcomes of the meeting in Bishkek confirmed that Belarus is an active and strategically important player on the SCO tourism map. The next stage, implementing the agreements reached, promises to open a new chapter in the history of Belarusian hospitality.

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The One District, One Project initiative is a strategic task for regional development, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said at a meeting to discuss the implementation of investment projects under the initiative in Minsk on 30 April, BelTA has learned.

The head of state noted that this meeting serves as a concluding event following recent regional working trips and the review of key regional programs, including the development of the Pripyat Polesie region and southeastern part of Mogilev Oblast, land reclamation, and the reintegration of agricultural lands into production. Previously, Vitebsk Oblast was also discussed, with a focus on the measures needed to boost development in the country’s northern region.

Aleksandr Lukashenko stated that he is considering making regional development a key aspect of the prime minister’s report at the next Belarusian People’s Congress at the end of 2026. “This is important for the people. It is essential that these topics are not merely outlined in the highest representative body, but given serious resonance,” he said.

On relevance of initiative

Aleksandr Lukashenko pointed out that many of the country’s 118 districts are facing population outflow, particularly in rural areas. Surveys show that the top priority for regional residents is the availability of jobs with decent salaries, followed by issues such as pricing, leisure activities, housing and utility services, and so on.

“That is precisely why the One District, One Project initiative was introduced during the previous five-year period, with the expectation that it would create quality jobs offering decent salaries,” the president said.

The head of state noted that while there have been certain positive results, a number of shortcomings and instances of misreporting have come to light, along with unproductive monitoring and control activities.

The president emphasized that in today’s realities, the tasks within the initiative must be viewed from a new perspective. The creation of jobs per se is no longer the most important task. “It is crucial for us now to build enterprises whose products will be in demand not only domestically but also in foreign markets, and to sell them with high profit margins. This is the most vital issue for us today. But we must act quickly,” the head of state stressed.

“Take the current situation into account. I want the governors and the government to review these projects once again. Determine what needs completion and where additional funding should be directed. Create projects focused on import substitution and supplying the domestic market. We must produce our own goods,” Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed. 

On the positive effect

On the one hand, as the government reports to the head of state, the One District, One Project initiative has proven to be beneficial. Two-thirds of the planned projects have been completed (144 out of 217), with approximately Br3.5 billion invested and over 6,000 jobs created. Once the current plans are finalized, these figures are expected to double.

The initiative encompasses both state-owned and private enterprises across various industries, including mechanical engineering, pharmaceuticals, woodworking, the agricultural industry, and others. Many of these investment projects are focused on import substitution and are export-oriented.

“In a number of regions, the One District, One Project initiative is delivering a truly powerful effect,” he noted.

Aleksandr Lukashenko highlighted the example of Krasnapolye District, which he recently visited. Over the five-year period, the share of investment under the initiative’s projects accounted for 50% of the total volume there.

On shortcomings in implementation

The president stated that at the start of the program, there was confusion and bureaucracy, and there was no system for the specialization of districts based on their capabilities, competencies, and, most importantly, needs. “As a result, no clear criteria were established for developing plans and projects, nor for assessing their impact on the economy and regional development. Our primary indicator was the utilization of funds, sometimes at any cost. This inevitably led to excesses,” he said.

As reported to the president, auditors have complaints about half of the projects (109 out of 217). “The government reports on the general list of projects without delving properly into the essence of them. Hence, many projects are on the list formally, with all work being done only on paper. Some projects are planned for implementation using own or borrowed funds and are not on this list at all. For example, the construction of a transport and logistics center in Verkhnedvinsk District or the organization of colonized flax fiber production in Lyakhovichi District,” Aleksandr Lukashenko gave examples.

There have been instances where projects already under way for a long time or nearing completion, literally on the home stretch, were added to the list. For example, a pharmaceutical production project in Cherven District has been ongoing since 2014, yet in 2022, it was included in the initiative as if it were a new development. “I do not understand why this is necessary. Why do you include something somewhere just to report that you are ‘great’ and have fulfilled the president’s instruction? No one needs this,” the Belarusian leader stressed.

Cases have also been identified where local authorities provided no actual assistance, focusing solely on gathering and submitting reports to higher levels of government. “A number of projects appeared on the list only because businessmen were coaxed with the logic: ‘it won’t cost you anything, but the chairperson will get credit.’ Even worse are the cases where projects were added to the initiative without the businesses’ knowledge at all – they only found out they were ‘participating’ through official media reports,” the president said.

On conclusions and future plans

According to Aleksandr Lukashenko, the situation is twofold, and the truth, as usual, lies somewhere in the middle. 

“First, the government and the governors are somewhat withholding the fact that necessary conditions have not been created for many investors: financing is not always accessible, while design and construction remain expensive, among other issues,” the head of state said. “Second, about half of our district executive committee chairpersons have failed this most important test for them.”

“The key issue is whether the district executive committee chairpersons and everyone present here (the regional executive committees, the government) are capable of implementing this initiative, these projects that these authorities jointly planned. I do not see that our authorities, especially at the local level, the district chairs, are truly living this agenda, fully immersed in it, and literally fighting for every job if it is needed in a specific district,” the president said.

Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that some time after the announcement of the One District, One Project initiative, circumstances changed. What matters now is not simply creating new jobs, but the quality of those jobs and the economic impact of the enterprise being established, especially given that in some cases it is difficult to staff even existing facilities with workers and specialists.

Against this backdrop, there have been many cases where a project initially declared, say, 100 new jobs, but in practice resulted in 85. And formally, the project is deemed unfulfilled.

“This is bureaucracy in its purest form,” the Belarusian leader said. “If 100 were declared, but the project was implemented with 85 employees, that is acceptable when there is a personnel shortage.”

“As a result, instead of launching an investment cycle, we only created headaches for individual investors. Because inspectors at all levels hover over them, monitor every step, and kill any desire to work. This applies to everyone. It must stop, there should be no formalism. We are creating projects, not counting headcount ‘plus or minus one person’,” the head of state stressed. “As a result, businesspeople are willing to do anything to implement new projects outside such initiatives. That is why there are major projects completed in the previous five-year period that were never included in this program.”

Aleksandr Lukashenko stated that all the issues mentioned above must be addressed and requested a report on the plans for implementing the One District, One Project initiative in the current five-year period.

“We need to revisit this initiative now that some time has passed since it was announced. The situation has changed significantly. Back then, we expected not only high-paying jobs but also the creation of jobs [in larger numbers in general]. Today this is no longer an acute problem. In some districts it still exists. There the initiative must be kept under close control, and we must look at what the governor and the city or district executive committee chairperson intend to build so that people have decent wages and jobs, real jobs,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

“I emphasize once again: given the current circumstances, we need to reassess what we should do and what is most important,” the president stated.

Among such projects, based on his recent regional trips, he mentioned the need to complete the program of dairy complexes and calf-rearing facilities.

A similar approach applies to the development of fish-farming complexes, which Aleksandr Lukashenko inspected in Krasnopolye District. It may be worth scaling up this experience and developing it in other regions where it is possible and justified. “A brilliant enterprise in terms of economics and both domestic and foreign markets,” the head of state said.

Another area is the development of the agro-service network, which was discussed at the seminar-meeting in Mozyr. This includes not only servicing complex machinery but also establishing new production facilities based on them for simpler yet in-demand equipment.

The head of state also noted the need to discuss in the future the work of agricultural chemistry facilities and the existing shortcomings in storing expensive mineral fertilizers.

“There is an enormous amount of work to be done. These areas must be organized technologically. Certain projects are extremely important in terms of import substitution and supplying our own market. We need to look at this as well. We should not tie the hands of governors and local authorities. Money must also be invested in these areas. And if financial resources go toward such projects, that is perfectly acceptable,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said. “If we implement all this, we won’t have enough people for the remaining projects outside Minsk and elsewhere, everyone will be occupied. We have never had a situation like this. From this point of view, we may need to revise the five-year plan where necessary. That is my opinion, based on my trips around the country.”

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The Palace of the Republic is hosting a gala concert by Tajikistan’s leading performers to mark the Days of Tajik Culture in Belarus, BelTA has learned.

The concert program features People's and Honored Performers of Tajikistan accompanied by the State Symphony Orchestra of the Executive Office of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan. The program includes both Tajik national melodies and well-known world hits.

Belarusian Minister of Culture Marat Markov noted that the Days of Tajik Culture are a landmark event in the cultural life of the two countries. “We are hosting reliable partners and very good friends in Minsk today. The development of broad humanitarian contacts between our states has become possible thanks to the strengthening of political ties and the personal friendship of our presidents. As Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko has emphasized, the willingness of both sides to strengthen partnership and expand contacts is exactly what has given Belarusian-Tajik cooperation its special status as a strategic partnership,” he said.

Marat Markov drew attention to the growing importance of cultural diplomacy.

“During these April days, Belarusians have the opportunity to learn more about Tajik culture and art, and to discover new names. On 27 April, an exhibition of Tajik art opened at the National Library, while Tajik Cinema Days are taking place at the Pobeda movie theater in Minsk. And on 28 April, leading performers of Tajikistan will take the stage here. Without any doubt, events of this kind and scale help bring our two nations closer together,” Marat Markov said.

Tajikistan’s Culture Minister Matlubakhon Sattoriyon noted that relations between Belarus and Tajikistan have always been built on mutually beneficial and equal partnership and have generally developed successfully in the political, economic and other spheres.

“Remarkably, it is in the cultural sphere that ties between our countries are becoming increasingly visible, extensive and close. In recent years, Tajikistan and Belarus have intensified their artistic exchanges, with the main forms of cooperation being tours and joint creative events tied to holidays and anniversaries. The dynamics of this exchange constantly show growth and new forms of interaction. Culture is a living fabric, a road to the soul, a bridge connecting countries and continents. The holding of the Days of Tajik Culture is vivid proof of this, a joy of meeting and an anticipation of a miracle,” Matlubakhon Sattoriyon said.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Tajikistan to Belarus Bakhtovar Safarzoda said that the embassy had also prepared events dedicated to Navruz, the Tajik New Year, which begins on 21 March. “This holiday is over 6,000 years old. And today, 128 representatives of the arts and cinema, various soloists, and a symphony orchestra are taking part in the concert at the Palace of the Republic. What is conveyed through cultural cooperation goes from people to people,” he said.

Olimjon Solizoda, Director of the State Symphony Orchestra of the Executive Office of the President of Tajikistan, emphasized: “We are very happy to be at such a wonderful celebration. Art is a bridge that brings peoples closer together. In 2024, Belarusian performers were in Tajikistan, wonderful performers, and their visit will be long remembered by Tajik audiences. Today we have prepared our national, colorful melodies, in which our centuries-old art is combined with symphonic music. Lovers of this genre will be surprised to see how they blend. The program also features beautiful dances, Belarusian songs, and classical music, we have amazing opera singers.”

Daler Rakhmatov, the director of the film Life is Beautiful, which was shown on 27 April at the Pobeda movie theater as part of the Days of Tajik Culture, repeatedly expressed his love for Belarus and also joined today’s event. “We brought three films, and on 27 April we showed one of them for the first time. Your audience is so warm and sincere! I was so touched: both adults and young people came up to me, asked questions, expressed gratitude. I haven’t seen that in a long time. My grandfather was a paratrooper during the Great Patriotic War. He was dropped behind enemy lines in Belarus, shot down by the Nazis, and lay unconscious in a swamp for several days. Elderly people pulled him out, even though they could have been killed for it, and nursed him back to health. He fought here until the liberation of Belarus. He did not live long, but my mother instilled in me from childhood what a brave and honest people live here. And now I have seen it for myself. We share the same values,” he said. 

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Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko signed Decree No. 140 on 28 April appointing Sergei Aleinik, Chairman of the Standing Commission on International Affairs and National Security of the Council of the Republic, as the National Coordinator for Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, the press service of the Belarusian leader told BelTA.

In accordance with the document, Vladislav Tatarinovich has been relieved of this position. 

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Vladimir Karanik, Chairman of the Presidium of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, met with a delegation from Russia’s Komi Republic led by Government Chairman Dmitry Bratynenko, BelTA learned from the National Academy of Sciences.

The parties discussed promising areas of cooperation, including in mechanical engineering, agriculture, and biotechnology, as well as the possibility of supplying equipment for processing mineral raw materials under low-temperature conditions.

Vladimir Karanik noted the high potential for cooperation, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue for the successful implementation of any projects and planned initiatives.

In turn, Dmitry Bratynenko stated that in a rapidly changing world, it is important to preserve not only economic but also cultural ties, as well as a shared historical heritage.

In 2023, the Research Center for Animal Husbandry of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus and the Institute for Retraining and Advanced Training of Agricultural Workers of the Komi Republic signed an agreement on scientific cooperation. From 2023 to 2026, mutual consultations were conducted on various areas of animal husbandry, including feeding, selection and breeding, housing technologies, and the use of DNA and biotechnologies.

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