The working schedule of the President of Belarus is always very eventful. Alexander Lukashenko holds meetings and working sessions on the most pressing issues of the country's development, regularly visits regions, makes foreign visits and receives foreign guests himself, communicates with journalists, signs decrees and laws. And even when there are no public events, it does not mean that the head of state is not working. However, even during his leisure time, whether it's a hockey practice or chopping wood, Alexander Lukashenko always finds an occasion for another instruction. As he likes to say, one must always proceed from life.
The "President's Week" project is for those who want to keep pace with the head of state, to be aware of the most relevant statements and decisions of the Belarusian leader.
Who will be responsible for what in the implementation of agreements following the recent foreign visits – China, the UAE, African countries, India, and beyond are in the spotlight.
What Lukashenko discussed at the meeting with the heads of CIS special services; why their cooperation is sometimes stronger than between diplomats; what NATO adversaries want and how to prevent it. Also, about journalists and ideologists on the front line, the activity of Western terrorist agents, the support of allies, and the importance of conflict resolution in a new issue of the BELTA special project "President's Week".
THE FAR REACH. What tasks the President set following foreign visits
Over two weeks in the first half of December, Alexander Lukashenko paid visits to a number of foreign countries. At the beginning of December, he participated in the World Climate Action Summit in the United Arab Emirates and held numerous meetings with foreign counterparts on the sidelines of this forum. After that, the President visited China, where he met with PRC Chairman Xi Jinping. Upon returning to the UAE, the head of the Belarusian state met with the President of this country, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. From the UAE, Alexander Lukashenko headed to Africa. An official two-day visit to Equatorial Guinea and a working visit to Kenya took place.
In turn, the Prime Minister of Belarus, Roman Golovchenko, visited Uzbekistan and Vietnam these days, where negotiations and meetings were held at various levels.
The outcomes of all these trips, and not only, became the subject of discussion at a meeting with the Head of State. In fact, the geography of the visits stretched from the Pacific to the Atlantic Oceans. "We have realistically drawn this distant arc along which we must work," noted Alexander Lukashenko.
The President explained that the circle of close cooperation, including Belarus's neighbours and partners, comprises the CIS countries.
"Russia and the PRC are two states with which we have the most advanced relations; this is a separate story. You know that relevant Presidential decisions have been adopted and are being implemented separately for these states," stressed the Belarusian leader. "And the distant arc – it is marked here. To the north and south are states that are of great interest to us."
On cooperation with India
Alexander Lukashenko mentioned the development of cooperation with India, although there were no visits to this country at the highest or governmental level on this occasion.
"A separate issue, which we cannot fundamentally resolve, is cooperation with the Indian state. At one time, the former Minister of Foreign Affairs began to deal with this issue in principle," noted the Head of State.
He instructed the current head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sergei Aleinik, to submit his proposals on this issue in the near future, no later than the first quarter of next year. "A work plan with India. Specifically, a plan. Like we did in Africa with Equatorial Guinea. We don't need tourist trips. We need solutions to specific issues," the head of state explained.
On controlling the implementation of agreements in Africa
"Regarding the African continent, I want to warn everyone. I have invited the Deputy Prime Ministers, although they were not deeply involved in the details of these preparatory visits of our specialists and ministers. They know about it. I have invited you so that you take the results of these business trips under special control," the President said.
Alexander Lukashenko noted that work with Equatorial Guinea was conducted in a new way: "Everything was under my strictest control. The Minister of Foreign Affairs visited there, established contacts with this state, then specialists worked. And the ministers, having visited this country on the eve of my visit, developed the main directions (15 of them) of our work and 74 specific projects that we agreed to implement together with our friends in Equatorial Guinea. And they must be implemented. I simply categorically insist on this and warn you."
In this regard, the head of state tasked the President's aide, Alexander Kosinets, to take control within the Presidential Administration of the work with Equatorial Guinea and Kenya - countries in Africa that the head of state visited this time. "You, at the top, make a note for yourselves and control, study all these issues. This should be under control here, in the Presidential Administration. So that it doesn't happen like it sometimes does with us, when we review our relations with certain states, exclude something, add something. We have reached agreements, and we need to implement these projects," the Belarusian leader emphasized.
He noted that while in Equatorial Guinea, he frankly told them that it was not charitable assistance from Belarus. "We are not America, which prints money. Nor China, which has huge reserves. And not even Russia. We must negotiate for money and work exclusively in good faith. There are very good prospects there. Everything we know how to do is needed there," said Alexander Lukashenko.
Speaking about Kenya, the President addressed Viktor Sheiman: "I already told you during the flight: take charge of Africa, as you once started. It should be under your control as a special envoy of the President. Regarding Kenya, you know the issues on which we were asked by the President to help them: three global issues beneficial to us. And others. Therefore, Africa and Kenya separately are your issue. The African continent. You started there, you are responsible for it."
On a productive visit to China
As for the People's Republic of China, the First Deputy Prime Minister Nikolai Snopkov, who also attended the recent high-level negotiations in Beijing together with the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, bears personal responsibility for working with this country.
Alexander Lukashenko called the visit to China very useful and productive, and the Chinese side is ready for joint work on the discussed issues: "No" was not heard (during the negotiations. - Editorial note of BELTA). All the issues that we put before the Chairman of the PRC Xi Jinping received one answer: "Yes, we are ready to work, to deepen, let's work together, let's work in a friendly manner."
"China is the future of the entire planet. And the fact that we have good relations with it is our advantage, our achievement," the head of state emphasized.
On the Emirates
"As for the Emirates, they are working with us on specific issues. There is no slowdown anywhere. And we agreed that, possibly (they have a very great interest), we can work together in Africa. There is a large piece of work for them there, considering their influence in the world and the financial resources they have. Therefore, if they have an interest in working on specific issues, we are ready to involve them," said Alexander Lukashenko.
The Presidents of Belarus and the UAE discussed the development of cooperation and the implementation of bilateral projects
On common tasks
The Head of State set all participants of the meeting on an effective, consistent, and prompt work to implement the agreements reached in various countries. For this, it is important to act together, not separately. "Everything should be concentrated in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Everything should be there. We will see how the new Minister of Foreign Affairs copes with these issues. This is a huge number of issues. That is why I am instructing both Sheiman and Kosinets to get involved and so on. The Government and the ministers will have to implement all the agreements. I am simply categorically warning you against any kind of slowdown," the Belarusian leader stated.
DO NOT LOSE THE THREAD. Why Lukashenko is setting CIS special services for the most intense strain
Minsk hosted the 19th meeting of the Council of Heads of Security and Intelligence Agencies of the CIS Member States this week. The Head of State of Belarus met with its participants at the Palace of Independence on December 14.
He called it symbolic that this meeting took place in Belarus in an era of wars and political cataclysms: "Despite the political and sanctions pressure from the West, and primarily from the USA, we continue to develop a peaceful and stable state (we are doing everything for this), based on the principles of social justice. There is a great demand for justice in our states now."
Alexander Lukashenko stated that the situation around is not becoming safer. Tension is growing in various regions of the planet. Some smoldering conflicts are escalating into a hot phase, and hybrid proxy wars are being unleashed everywhere.
According to the President, cooperation between security agencies is a platform that provides an opportunity to better understand each other's interests, take them into account, and take concrete measures to de-escalate the situation. "Where necessary, we need to prompt each other, help each other. This is very important. We will act only in this way," he assured.
On the degradation of international structures
The President noted the complete degradation of a number of international structures - from the OSCE and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons to the International Committee of the Red Cross.
"They have turned into platforms for demagoguery and tools for serving and implementing the interests of global players. Moreover, we spend huge sums of money on various conferences, knowing that they will yield nothing. The latest one was held in Dubai," said the Head of State. "We have reached an absurd point. The European Peace Facility is allocating funds for the war in Ukraine."
As reported by BELTA, on December 1, Alexander Lukashenko addressed the plenary session of the World Climate Action Summit in Dubai, urging participants to make a real contribution to solving the issues under discussion. "Probably, once again we have gathered here and, unfortunately, will express our concerns once again. In a week, everyone will forget," said the Head of State. "And those who were at the forefront here, those 'concerned about their grandchildren,' are the ones waging these wars. And wars are terrible pollution of the planet. Let's stop this. Therefore, the most important thing is for us to learn to say fewer words and do more."
On the Role of Special Services
Considering the chaos and destruction of the international system of checks and balances, Alexander Lukashenko drew attention to the viewpoint of the first President of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev, who recently stated that the world is closer to nuclear war than ever before. "If anyone should be believed, it is him. In such conditions, the role of special services increases, their most important task being to ensure the protection of their states and citizens from internal and external threats," said the Head of State.
Alexander Lukashenko noted that the words about the increasing role are not a banal or perfunctory phrase. "The fact is that state departments and foreign ministries have recently become a bit more adept at establishing contacts. And most importantly, at maintaining them even in the most difficult circumstances. Special services know how to do this. What is required from you is the utmost effort not to lose this thread, this connection. If it breaks between you, there will be no one to talk to," he said.
On the Main Task of NATO Intelligence Community and What Cannot Be Allowed
The President stressed that the effectiveness of foreign intelligence in obtaining reliable, up-to-date, and, above all, predictive information is of particular importance, enabling heads of state to make informed decisions in the interests of their peoples. "The main thing here is to preempt our opponents, to prevent the implementation of those scenarios they are trying to impose on us. As I am informed (perhaps you have different information), one of the main tasks of the intelligence community of NATO and their allies is the disintegration of the post-Soviet space. They want to first drive a wedge between our centuries-old good neighborly relations, and then set us against each other. We have been through this," the Belarusian leader stated.
"I am sure that if there is no opportunity to pick up the phone and call each of you to resolve a specific issue, it will also turn into a tragedy. This cannot be allowed. Therefore, I urge you not to break your relationships under any circumstances, even if some of our states hold a different point of view in the policy that a particular state is currently pursuing. The main thing is not to rush," added Alexander Lukashenko.
On Journalists and Ideologists on the Front Line
The Head of State also sees serious threats that have emerged in the information sphere. "Today, our journalists and ideologists are on the front line. They are waging this information war. It is very important not to let this information war escalate into a hot war," said Alexander Lukashenko.
He noted that opponents are trying to exert destructive influence on the population, carry out cyberattacks on the critical infrastructure of state bodies, and spread fakes and disinformation.
On the Importance of Maintaining the Economy
Alexander Lukashenko called for preventing quarrels in the common home within the Commonwealth space: "We have lost our state, which contributed to maintaining a multipolar world. We are not as strong today as we were before. Therefore, it is very difficult for us to resist these skirmishes in the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic regions. I am telling you in plain terms: we need to get through this. We do not want to fight. We have had enough of fighting."
The President sees the main task now as maintaining the economy. "If there are no internal reasons, no one will interfere with us. And internal reasons are the economy," the Belarusian leader remarked.
He stressed the inadmissibility of breaking ties, as happened with Ukraine at one time. Alexander Lukashenko recalled as an example that for several years he urged the now former presidents of Ukraine not to rush to leave the CIS. Similarly, the issue was raised in conversations with the former president of Georgia, Mikheil Saakashvili. "It's easy to leave. It's harder to enter. In politics, it is very important to be able to wait and not rush," said the head of state.
Alexander Lukashenko once again emphasized that only by joining forces can one counter the listed threats.
On Western Agent-Terrorists
The head of state noted the activity of foreign special services in Belarus. "The forms of their work are becoming increasingly aggressive. They are sending not just spies, but agent-terrorists to us," he said. "They are trying to create extremist cells, forming regiments of our fugitives, attracting mercenaries."
Alexander Lukashenko stressed that he is by no means exaggerating, but on the contrary, he cannot say everything openly on this issue: "You understand me. We, together with the Russian Federation, have probably detained about twenty groups of terrorists who are primarily aiming for terrorist operations in Russia and Belarus."
Evidence of this are the high-profile incidents in Machulishchi (when they tried to attack a military airfield and destroy Russian equipment), Grodno, and attempts to blow up railways in various regions of the country. "You don't need me to explain why this is being done," Alexander Lukashenko remarked.
"We see very serious activity in Belarus. It is clear that this 'cordon sanitaire' – a thousand-kilometer window has formed. A balcony, a window – whatever you call it. It is clear that they will constantly try to cut it to get to Moscow through Smolensk, as always. Frankly speaking: we cannot allow this and will do our utmost with our allies to maintain this line," added the Belarusian leader.
On Supporting Allies
Alexander Lukashenko spoke separately about the accusations from opponents in the West that Belarus supports Russia.
"Against Russia (acting in the West. - BELTA's note) - there is Ukraine, and something else... What do we owe them? What do we owe NATO? We live quietly, peacefully, and don't bother anyone," the Belarusian leader emphasized. "I recently spoke with your colleagues from all the leading countries - heads of special services. I asked them a direct question: 'What do you want from us? Didn't you know that we have an agreement with Russia, that we have the closest military-political cooperation?' - 'Well, you are helping Russia there...' I say: 'We are helping and will continue to help.' We say this openly, we have never hidden it. This is our alliance. Since the time I said that we will not allow shooting Russians in the back through the territory of Belarus. We adhere to this principle. What was unclear about this before the conflict in Ukraine? Everything was clear and understandable."
Alexander Lukashenko continued: "And you - 50 countries - are supporting Ukraine today." This war has long since turned from a Russian conflict with Ukraine into a war of Russia against the entire "civilized" West. You know, they don't deny it. Well, then what do you want from us? We have supported and will continue to support our ally in every way. Just like all the states sitting at this table."
"There should be no claims against us. Our policy is transparent, open, and we will always adhere to such a policy. We are forced to defend ourselves and help our allies. Such a policy will be pursued in the future," the head of state concluded.
On Russia as the cementing link in the post-Soviet space
According to the President, the nature of the trusting relationship between the CIS countries is determined by common history, the economic, scientific, and educational potential inherited from a once unified country, and interpersonal contacts. "This is our economic space. Yes, much here depends on Russia. But let's be frank: Russia is becoming different every month, every year. As never before, today, due to certain conditions, Russia is the cementing, unifying link of the entire post-Soviet space. You know, due to what conditions," he said.
"Let's preserve this economic space. Let's preserve this common market," the head of state urged.
On the reasons for the war in Ukraine and Zelensky with an outstretched hand
Alexander Lukashenko stressed that the Russian side was provoked into conflict, including by discriminating against citizens on a national basis in Ukraine. "In Putin's Russia, they pushed him to protect his people. What else could he have done? They pushed their luck," the President noted.
The Head of State spoke about contacts with former intelligence chiefs: "They always talk about the reasons and so on. I asked an American: 'What if they behaved like that against American citizens in Mexico?' America would have crushed that Mexico."
"Today, the West is already in conflict with Ukraine – they have blocked the entire border. They are pursuing a brainless policy. I warned Zelensky: if a skirmish or some other reason arises somewhere, you will be forgotten. Here you go: the Middle East, the internal situation in America. What happened – he walks around, the poor fellow, with his hand outstretched," Alexander Lukashenko remarked.
He stated that the United States had behaved despicably towards the Ukrainian President. The Head of State noted that the media often describe Volodymyr Zelensky's behaviour as arrogant, but he is simply demanding that his Western partners abide by the agreements. "On the eve of the war, they sat down at the negotiating table, and the Americans told Zelensky: 'You fight to the last Ukrainian, and we will finance you, supply you with weapons.' Why aren't they supplying, why aren't they financing? He is demanding it from them."
On the need for peace negotiations
The President is confident that it is high time for the parties to the conflict in Ukraine to negotiate: "Nobody needs this vile situation. And you know that Russia is ready today. And they have never refused negotiations. Back then, the West restrained Zelensky; now they are nodding at Zelensky: 'If he agrees to negotiations, we are also ready.' A new situation has arisen – and they have been abandoned. Like in Afghanistan: they will cling to the chassis and fall onto the airfield."
The Head of State also recalled the conflict between Volodymyr Zelensky and the military. Alexander Lukashenko spoke about the internal political situation in Ukraine several months ago at meetings with foreign and Belarusian journalists. For example, in February, the President stated that peace should be negotiated primarily with the Ukrainian military.
"The Ukrainian military has a significantly different point of view and position from the politicians and President Zelensky, to put it mildly. And Volodymyr Zelensky knows this very well. The most professional military personnel are most convinced that the war must be stopped. You will see that we, and primarily the Russians, will have to negotiate with the Ukrainian military," Alexander Lukashenko emphasised at the time. "People are being thrown in there like cannon fodder. And they are ready to sacrifice millions of Ukrainians - this is a quote. The military understands this. And the military will be able to reach an agreement."
On Conflict Resolution and the One Life We Are Given
The Head of State explained that he had touched upon the topic of the conflict in Ukraine not just for no reason: "It is easy to walk away, to wave your hand, to detach yourself. It will be difficult to reintegrate later. Do not do this. A lot depends on you," he addressed the heads of special services. "Yes, mistakes were made somewhere. Yes, something did not work out - in Armenia, in Azerbaijan. Let us correct it."
The President stressed that the escalation of this conflict would not have happened if the parties had listened to advice and taken the necessary measures in time. At the same time, the Head of State noted that the current Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, is not to blame for what happened: the situation he inherited was a legacy.
Alexander Lukashenko had previously called on countries to resolve all issues peacefully, and specific mutually acceptable measures were considered. However, the preliminary agreements were never implemented. Now, both Armenia and Azerbaijan are facing difficulties.
A difficult situation has also historically developed on the Tajik-Kyrgyz border. However, the leaders of these states managed to find a mutually acceptable solution, the President noted: "I always praise the leaders: they are simply great. More than 90% of the borders have been agreed upon. And I am confident that they will sign a border treaty next year."
"What are we fighting for? We only live once," the Belarusian leader emphasised.
"Under no circumstances detach yourselves, do not leave, because you will be abandoned. And for a disadvantaged people in a dire situation, a people at an impasse, there is only one way out: if they give you a rifle - fight," Alexander Lukashenko concluded.
Source: belta.by