Belarusian ambassador to Việt Nam Uladzimir Baravikou wrote to Việt Nam News on Belarus' National Day (July 3)

On July 3, the Belarusian people celebrate the main State Holiday – Independence Day of the Republic of Belarus or the Day of Republic!

This day, symbolising the liberation of our country from fascism, has become sacred for us and it has a special meaning currently. The Republic of Belarus is going through the most serious test of its independence!

Unprecedented pressure on the Republic of Belarus and illegal sanctions aimed at changing the political system chosen by our people, at changing the path of our development and independent foreign policy, do not justify the hopes of our opponents. The national economy has adapted to the new realities. We are demonstrating moderate economic growth and have successfully redirected trade flows. And most importantly, the decline in real incomes of the population is not allowed.

The President of the Democratic Republic of Việt Nam Hồ Chí Minh at the airport of Minsk, August 24,1957. — Photo courtesy of the embassy

All this reflects the merit of Mr. Aleksandr Lukashenko, the President of the Republic of Belarus, and our people, who are united, as before in difficult times, for the sake of the interests of their country. It is the internal potential, the strengthening of the internal political system and our civil society that have become the key to stability in the face of any external factors and threats.

As President Hồ Chí Minh said: "There is nothing more precious than independence and freedom."

Our country opposes the use of unilateral coercive measures as an instrument of political and economic coercion. We believe that such measures should be abolished as violating the UN Charter, the principles of international law and the multilateral trading system. They adversely affect the achievements of the Sustainable Development Goals by the countries they target and violate fundamental human rights. This is a global problem, as the 2030 Agenda is under threat around the world due to the sanctions imposed.

With regard to the situation on our continent, I would like to note that throughout the entire period of independence, our country acted as a donor of security in Europe. We did not and do not carry a threat to our neighbours. No matter what our current opponents say.

We know the price of a peaceful sky above our heads, history has taught us it. And we are ready to act once again as a mediator to achieve peace on the continent, to be a donor of stability and security in Europe. Our country is open to a respectful and equal dialogue with all states and international organisations.

Despite the unfriendly policy of the West, Belarus is expanding its foreign economic horizons in Asia step by step. Interest in it as a capable, fast-growing and promising market is logical. Asian countries take a very balanced position in relation to what is happening in the world, and also treat Belarus and our politics with understanding. It is very important.

Palace of Independence. — Photo courtesy of the embassy

Taking into account the impressive successes achieved by Việt Nam under the wise leadership of the Communist Party in socio-economic development, the growth of international prestige, and traditional friendly relations, Việt Nam is becoming for Belarus a kind of basis for expanding cooperation throughout the entire region of Southeast Asia.

And we see our primary task as transferring our relations to the level of Strategic Partnership, which implies converting a high level of interaction in the political field into deepening and building up trade and economic relations. Currently, large-scale work is being carried out in this direction, the possibilities of industrial cooperation between our enterprises and Vietnamese partners are being carefully studied, and a search is underway for projects in which our country can take part.

I am convinced that there are no unsolvable tasks for us! We do not pursue our interests to the detriment of the interests of partners. We sincerely continue to deepen friendly and mutually beneficial relations with the fraternal Vietnamese people. The purpose of these relations is increasing the well-being of ordinary people in our countries.

And I am sure that we will succeed! — VNS