The Belarusian State University is not just a higher education institution, but the history and future of the country. This was stated by the President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, at a meeting on topical issues of BSU activities, as reported by a BELTA correspondent.
The President noted that the impetus for this event was given by the rector himself, and it was on his initiative that the decision was made to convene a meeting. "Although the topic is very work-related. I will say right away that not everyone, even among those sitting here in the front row, was in favour of me coming here and holding this meeting. As this event will be associated with the discussion, I hope, of certain individuals. Possibly, some personnel innovations and reshuffles. Therefore, I call on you for absolute openness," he said.
"BSU is not just a university. It is the history, the future of the country. Born in the years of the formation of the Belarusian state, it has become the embodiment of the scientific and industrial power of modern Belarus," the Belarusian leader noted. "What you are doing are top projects. And I knew that you were engaged in this, but I didn't think you had reached such a high level. We will pay very serious attention to this, if necessary, to our industrialists. Those people who make specific products thanks to your scientific inventions. Although you have already done significant things. Especially space, drones – this is the future. And the current conflict in Ukraine shows that this is the future."
The Head of State noted that he had recently met with his good friend and former head of Roscosmos, Dmitry Rogozin. "He told me a lot, he will show and tell a lot more. If you have an interest in something, perhaps even in some classified matters, this person will gladly share with our specialists, scientists. Perhaps this will help you move in the right direction," said Alexander Lukashenko.
Addressing the Chairman of the Presidium of the National Academy of Sciences, Vladimir Gusakov, who was present at the meeting, the President expressed confidence that BSU can compete with the main scientific organisation in the field of space, drones, and possibly electric vehicles. "And we will support this competition," he said.
The head of the National Academy of Sciences, in turn, noted that they work together with their colleagues. "If he says 'together', it means he respects your achievements and developments, and considers them equal to academic ones," the Head of State remarked in response.