Priorities are clear

Integration agenda has recently revived not only in the CIS area. As we know, earlier in Dushanbe, the SCO and CSTO summits were held, where special attention was paid to foreign policy issues. But now the time has come to substantively discuss the economic aspects of cooperation within the EAEU. A single market for gas, oil and oil products, a common digital space, transit, import substitution and interaction in the agro-industrial complex – these are the topics became the key issues at the meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council, which was held in October in the format of a video conference.

A strategy-driven perspective

Formation of a common gas market, pricing and transportation issues... Gas issue in its comprehensive version is not at all new for the members of the Eurasian Economic Union. And as it followed from the discussion, it is the gas problem, which in many respects hinders the development of the EAEU. Incidentally, this is the firm position of Minsk, which actually found understanding among all participants of the discussion. As well as the Belarusian initiative that a decision should be reached during a live meeting of the leaders of states.

Alexander Lukashenko specified another energy issue as a key one.

It concerns the decision to move to the second stage of creation of common markets for oil and oil products. It involves the preparation by 2023 of draft rules for trading and rules for exchange trading in these products. And by 2024, an international treaty is to be developed on the formation of common markets for oil and oil products. The President of Belarus emphasized: – Striving to create a common energy market, it is necessary to take into account the interests of all member states of our union. Only in this way can we ensure its stability and durability.

In general, the further prospect of the EAEU is associated with the full and timely implementation of the Strategy for the Development of Eurasian Economic Integration until 2025. It is not for nothing that Alexander Lukashenko emphasized: – It is important now to concentrate on the implementation of the measures stipulated by this document. Only in this case, by January 1, 2025, we will receive a full-fledged economic union with common markets for goods, services, capital and labor resources.

Focuses of Belarusian initiatives

However, the President of Belarus prioritized a number of areas in integration. This also applies to the formation of a digital space, where, according to Alexander Lukashenko, there is something to work on. Unfortunately, according to experts, the process of creating and launching an integrated information system of the Union is still going slowly. It has been under construction for about ten years. For all the scale and complexity of the project, such results are difficult to consider as satisfactory. But the prospects for a deeper development of the transit potential are also associated with digitalization: – The development of a draft agreement on a unified system of customs transit should be accelerated. Its adoption, along with an agreement on the use of navigation seals in the union for tracking shipments, will contribute to an increase in the transit flow of goods.

Concerning the development of cooperation in the field of agriculture, the following initiative was voiced by Minsk: – In order to further develop the agro-industrial complex, it is necessary to introduce at the union level a system of medium-term and long-term planning of the agro-industrial complex, taking into account the development of the world agricultural market. We should seriously think about the food security of our countries, protection from external price shocks caused by the rush demand for this or that agricultural product.

The President of Belarus also believes that it is necessary to reach a final solution to the problem of unilateral bans and restrictions on the supply of goods: – Accordingly, it is necessary to ensure a timely and full-fledged interstate exchange of information in the field of sanitary, phytosanitary and veterinary control.

The EAEU has done too little on import substitution. Expressing this opinion, the head of the Belarusian State noted: – It is obvious that this process should be linked to industrial cooperation in the Union. To avoid protectionism at the national level, it is necessary to make the most of the industrial capacities and resources of our countries. It is important not only to promote industrial cooperation, but also to stimulate more advanced forms of cooperation through the creation of supranational Eurasian companies or consortia.

The President of Belarus also drew attention to the need of further improvement of the financial infrastructure of the EAEU:

– To increase the number of joint projects with a high integration component, it is necessary to provide access to project financing in the form of long-term loans with a preferential interest rate.

As a conclusion: for this, it is necessary to change the format of the

Eurasian Development Bank. The main drawbacks in its current model are the high threshold for financing projects and the absence of a preferential rate on loans.

Developing the financial theme, the President raised the issue of expanding the use of national currencies: – We all talked about this a lot. Excessive use of one or another foreign currency in calculations deprives us of competitive financial and economic advantages and threatens the security of our countries. Therefore, where, if not in the EAEU, we should move with advanced pace to use national currencies.

Alexander Lukashenko expressed the opinion that resolving the above issues will allow the EAEU countries to more quickly overcome the consequences of the economic recession caused by the pandemic, restore business activity, stimulate the growth of industrial production, improve the transit potential and the competitive environment of our common economic space:

"Striving to create a common energy market, it is necessary to take into account the interests of all member states of our union. Only in this way can we ensure its stability and durability."

Alexander Lukashenko

– In Belarus, we are convinced that with goodwill, through joint efforts, we will be able to fully realize all the possibilities of the Eurasian Economic Union and achieve our goals

From the speeches of the meeting participants

Vladimir Putin, President of Russia:

– Economic growth has resumed in almost all EAEU states. Good pace has been gained in mutual trade. In JanuaryJune, trade between the EAEU member states increased by almost a third (31.9 percent), and the volume of foreign trade of the Eurasian Union with third countries – by a quarter. Moreover, such indicators were achieved despite the fact that some member states of the Union are subject to illegitimate sanctions from some countries. It's no secret that these sanctions are used not only as a tool of unfair competition, but also as a means to undermine legitimate governments by creation of social, economic and political problems or exacerbating the existing ones, which are in abundance in any country. Such external unfavorable conditions should further stimulate the strengthening of cooperation within our Union.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kazakhstan:

– We should unite efforts to successfully overcome the pandemic, develop joint projects in the field of science, pharmaceuticals, coordinate, if necessary, actions to establish sanitary and epidemiological regimes. The problem of food security has acquired global relevance. Today, one in ten people on the planet, that is, more than 700 million people, suffer from food shortages. Of course, the situation in our countries is much better. But our markets are already feeling the pressure of rising world prices. The severity of the problem will grow from year to year. As a response, the Eurasian Economic Commission, together with the countries of the Union, developed a draft of general principles and approaches to ensuring food security. It is important to develop the potential of cross-border transport arteries and logistics hubs. Integration of the Eurasian Economic Union with the Belt and Road initiative and formation of a modern logistics infrastructure will significantly increase the economic impact of the Union on world commodity flows.

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Sadyr Japarov, President of Kyrgyzstan:

– The stage of formation of the Union has passed, but it should be admitted that the real pace of integration could be higher. We have accumulated enough

questions: freedom of movement of goods and the problem of removing obstacles. In this regard, it is necessary to develop an effective mechanism for automatic cancellation of the barrier, when it is detected, and the impossibility of its reuse.

Consistent integration steps will require great efforts, determination and political will from us. Incorporating new directions into the integration of the Union countries will strengthen the EAEU position in the international arena: the foreign trade, industrial, tax policies of our countries should be timely adapted to the upcoming external transformations.

The important issue of further integration today is the formation of common markets for gas, oil and oil products. These issues directly affect the energy security of our countries.

Nikol Pashinyan, Prime Minister of Armenia:

– The formation of common industry-specific markets in the energy sector is not just a task on fulfillment of the provisions of the agreement on creation of the EAEU, but a prerequisite for the full realization of the potential of economic integration. This determines the principles and mechanisms for the functioning of this market, implying consideration of different opportunities and interests of countries in the energy sector.

Removing obstacles to mutual trade in the EAEU is one of the priorities of the Union, the purpose of which is to ensure the functioning of the internal market without exceptions, restrictions and barriers. Fulfillment of existing agreements in this area will strengthen the foundations of the Union, and the absence of barriers will increase not only the level of credibility of the states, but also competitiveness in foreign markets.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Uzbekistan:

– Difficult economic situation in the world requires to strengthen interaction, as well as to use new, unconventional approaches in response to modern challenges. It is important to intensify efforts to further increase trade and economic ties. We propose to develop, together with the EEC, a roadmap to increase mutual trade, including measures to eliminate existing barriers, harmonize technical regulations and standards, and digitalize customs procedures. Uzbekistan is also interested in expanding cooperation in the creation of interregional added value chains by deepening industrial cooperation.

The issue of ensuring food security is of particular relevance. We propose to develop a joint program of cooperation to strengthen food security in the Eurasian space.

Miguel Mario Diaz-Canel Bermudez, President of Cuba:

– We, who are present here, are, to one degree or another, in a complex global environment, under the influence of multidimensional crises aggravated or generated by the pandemic, and in some cases under the influence of unilateral coercive measures used by interventionist governments with powerful economies.

These challenges can be most effectively resisted only together.

Cooperation is a key word at the time when our agendas set a common priority – the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, which is already considered the most difficult sanitary crisis that humankind has faced in the last century.

In Belarus, we are convinced that with goodwill, through joint efforts, we will be able to fully realize all the possibilities of the Eurasian Economic Union and achieve our goals

Alexander Lukashenko

Consensus decisions

Following the meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council, the participants approved a statement on economic cooperation between the EAEU member states within the climate agenda. It says on behalf of the heads of state: – We declare our intention to develop economic cooperation between the EAEU member states within the climate agenda, including the achievement of goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including the formation of the necessary approaches and mechanisms based on the principles of the functioning of the single EAEU market. We express our confidence that the economic cooperation of the EAEU member states within the climate agenda will become an important contribution to international efforts to combat climate changes and ensure sustainable development.

It is obvious that the most important issue at the forum was the economic pressure exerted by third countries on the EAEU states. From now on, they will oppose it together. Deputy Prime Minister of Belarus Igor Petrishenko commented for journalists on the decision of the summit participants. He recalled that it was the initiative of the President of Belarus, and at this stage it was possible to reach a consensus: – A set of six responses has been developed. And in case of a request from one of the states, the Eurasian Economic Commission will prepare proposals and inform the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council, which will decide on the launch of a toolkit of these six measures. This refers to consultations, assessment of damage to the country that suffers from economic sanctions, and, accordingly, a multiplicative effect on the entire EAEU, negotiations with third countries and a number of other issues. It is a big step that our integration formation will collectively respond to unreasonable economic pressure.

The Deputy Prime Minister stressed that the decision was made not only in relation to Belarus and Russia, but it also applies to all subjects of the EAEU.

Vasily Kharitonov

DIPLOMATS HAVE A RESPONSIBLE MISSION

Belarus is always open to constructive partnership with any state that has good intentions towards it. Alexander Lukashenko reminded about this key principle of Belarusian foreign policy when accepting the credentials of the new heads of diplomatic missions of Azerbaijan, Armenia, India, Indonesia, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mongolia, Tunisia and the Republic of South Africa.

During the ceremony, the President emphasized that Belarus is a modern democratic state with a developed economy, centuries-old history and distinctive culture. And most importantly, "it has always been like this here since ancient times, that guests are welcome." The President suggested that many of the diplomats had already got acquainted with the country firsthand, which makes it easier for them to understand the processes taking place here. Alexander Lukashenko noted: – The beginning of your diplomatic mission falls on the period of important transformations in Belarus. But we are not talking about a global change of priorities.

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This is primarily an internal affair of our country. To ensure the dynamics of the further development of the Belarusian society, to adjust the domestic and foreign policy in the country, there is an objective need for changes.

The President is convinced that there is another important point, the awareness of which will become an unconditional help in diplomatic work: – Today's ceremony is held in the Year of National Unity, its goals are the further consolidation of our society, strengthening of its patriotic foundations, consolidation of the multinational Belarusian nation on the basis of the ideas of the country's sovereignty and independence.

Insight into international agenda

Intersection of global geopolitical interests in the Belarusian territory predetermines Minsk's expectations of a mutually beneficial international partnership. Alexander Lukashenko also drew attention thereto: – Being on the border between West and East, Belarus, like no other country, understands the importance of a creative, unifying international agenda and is constantly working on its practical content.

The President of Belarus also touched upon the migration issue, which has recently received a wide response: – We attach paramount importance to security issues and the protection of the state border. Our country has always been a responsible participant in collective efforts to combat smuggling and human trafficking. We are ready to act the same way in the future, but only on condition of respectful attitude towards us, and not under the pressure of sanctions and ultimatums. Not to mention, hybrid wars.

The head of state emphasized that Belarus has always been a supporter of mutually beneficial trade and economic cooperation with all international partners and is open to new joint projects, including the most advanced and hightech ones.

New partnership opportunities

Belarus is interested in developing cooperation with the widest range of states, regions and their integrations. In particular, Alexander Lukashenko emphasizes the importance of the fact that Minsk highly values the level of interaction with the CIS countries: – We are bound by strong bonds of brotherly friendship, which, I am sure, will continue to help us to deepen relations, develop trade and cooperation in various areas for the benefit of our peoples. Speaking about relations with Asia, which is the fastest economically growing region in the world, I would like to emphasize that Belarus and many of our Asian partners are complementary in their interaction.

The President is also confident that the country is interested in expanding cooperation with African countries: – We already have examples of successful joint work, which, I am sure, will be multiplied.

In addition, according to the head of state, Belarus may be of interest as a platform for the development of trade with the EAEU countries. – And first of all with Russia, with which we are implementing an ambitious integration project that opens up new opportunities for business, science and other areas, – the President specified.

Alexander Lukashenko also drew attention to the fact that, as a serious industrial hub, Belarus today can provide profitable supplies of agricultural and mining equipment, mining dump trucks, potash fertilizers, petrochemical and pharmaceutical products.

– Our companies are ready to offer their scientific, technological and production developments. Share the successful experience of modernizing the energy, transport and communications sectors, creating full cycle turnkey agricultural production. Our universities can admit applicants for training in various popular areas, including training in the field of industry, agriculture and health, – the head of state specified.

Following tradition, the head of state described the relations with each of the countries represented by the ambassadors.

About Azerbaijan

– Azerbaijan has been and remains our strategic partner, a fraternal state that consistently and disinterestedly supports Belarus, – stressed Alexander Lukashenko. On behalf of the country and on his own behalf, the President expressed gratitude to the entire Azerbaijani people and his friend President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev for their trust and reliability.

About Armenia

Alexander Lukashenko stated that Belarus and Armenia are linked by traditionally friendly relations, common history and close interpersonal contacts. – Our countries actively interact within the integration structures, in most cases speaking with a common voice, – the President said. However, the significant potential of bilateral cooperation has not yet been fully realized, the Belarusian leader believes. He assured that Belarus is open to proposals on further development of strong relations with Armenia in all spheres.

About India

Speaking about the countries of the long-range arc, Alexander Lukashenko noted that cooperation with them becomes more and more important in view of the emerging international situation. – We highly value the relationship with India based on friendship, trust and mutual understanding. Minsk and New Delhi are the most important partners, and the potential for bilateral cooperation is unlimited, – the President of Belarus said.

The head of state expressed confidence that the professionalism and dedication of the ambassadors will give impetus to relations between Belarus and foreign countries. "I sincerely wish you success in your responsible diplomatic activity to the benefit of our peoples," – Alexander Lukashenko summed up.

About Indonesia and Malaysia

Accepting credentials from the ambassadors of Indonesia and Malaysia,

Alexander Lukashenko emphasized the striving of Belarus to build constructive relations with all countries-members of the Association of South-East Asian Nations. – I am convinced that additional opportunities for the further development of Belarusian-Indonesian and BelarusianMalaysian relations will be provided by strengthening of cooperation between the EAEU and ASEAN, – the head of state said.

The President named Indonesia a key partner in this association. – Our citizens, representatives of business and academia know Indonesia not only as a tourist pearl, but also as a country with a dynamically developing economy, high human and scientific potential, – said the head of state.

As for Malaysia, according to the President, this country has made a huge leap forward in its development over the past decades. – We are very interested in studying the experience of transformation of your state, – said Alexander Lukashenko.

About Mongolia

The head of state noted with satisfaction the further development of practical cooperation with Mongolia, in which Belarus sees a reliable and promising partner. – We are interested in continuing the implementation of joint projects. Recently, our states have achieved a lot, but I know we still have additional opportunities for the further development of mutually beneficial cooperation, including in the machine-building industry, – the President said.

About Lebanon

Alexander Lukashenko noted the interest of Belarus in cooperation with the Lebanese Republic, expressing confidence in the existing significant potential for bilateral cooperation in various fields.

About Tunisia

Addressing the Tunisian Ambassador, the head of the Belarusian state expressed interest in enhancing all-round relations with this country. According to him, Belarus considers Tunisia as a promising partner in North Africa. "We should be more active in looking for directions that will strengthen our interaction. First of all, this concerns the spheres of tourism and healthcare," – Alexander Lukashenko believes.

About South Africa

– Belarus is ready to further promote cooperation with the Republic of South Africa, which rightfully has a reputation of a political and economic leader among the southern states of the continent, – noted the head of state.

According to the President, Belarus can offer South Africa modern integrated solutions in the field of agricultural mechanization, current scientific developments, transfer of technologies and knowledge, educational services.

The head of state, accepting the credentials, spoke about the priorities of Belarus in building friendly relations. In particular, the President stressed that justice in international, interstate interaction and in maintaining domestic policy is what Belarus has gained through suffering in its entire history: – Today Belarus, on a priority basis, intends to build friendly relations with those states that really respect our sovereignty and independence. Respect our people. With those who are ready to develop interaction with us honestly and frankly.

The head of state expressed confidence that the professionalism and dedication of the ambassadors will give impetus to relations between Belarus and foreign countries. "I sincerely wish you success in your responsible diplomatic activity to the benefit of our peoples," – Alexander Lukashenko summed up. ...Ambassadors left the Palace of Independence in the cars with the state flags of their countries attached thereto. This is a sign of the official beginning of the cadence. The head of state wished it to be successful: – I am sure that very soon you will be convinced that we are ready for active cooperation in all areas of mutual interest. We expect from you an objective view of events, a focus on strengthening of bilateral relations, proactive activity in the implementation of new projects.

Alexander Lukashenko congratulated the ambassadors on the start of their diplomatic mission in Belarus: – I am absolutely convinced that your professionalism and dedication will give impetus to relations between our countries.

And one more wish, which was already voiced during the informal conversation between the President and the diplomats: – I still hope that you as experienced people (and all of you, I see, are experienced people) will objectively assess the situation in Belarus. I am absolutely convinced that you will see a quiet, calm, peaceful Belarus in our country and in Minsk. And I will be glad if you compare it with what you have read and seen on the Internet. You will be pleasantly surprised to see that Belarus is completely different from the one individual countries and people are trying to make it out to be in this global system.

Belarus is interested in developing cooperation with the widest range of states, regions and their integrations. In particular, Alexander Lukashenko emphasizes the importance of the fact that Minsk highly values the level of interaction with the CIS countries

Alexander Pimenov

WHERE EVERY STONE IS A MEMORIAL TO HEROES

The fortress was crowded that day. Delegations came one after another, laid flowers, honored the memory of the defenders at the Eternal Flame. Representatives of youth and public organizations, labor collectives, governing bodies, foreign guests took part in the events on the occasion of the jubilee.

The memorial complex "Brest Hero-Fortress" was opened on September 25, 1971. The guides of the fortress always emphasize that the defenders of the citadel, who fought heroically from June 22 to the end of July 1941, were soldiers of 30 nationalities. The enemy got none of the flags of the military units that were stationed in the fortress at that time. All this was taken into account when considering the issue of awarding the fortress with the honorary title "Hero-Fortress". It received this title in 1965. Three years later, the work on the construction of the memorial began, it became a monument to the courage and heroism of the generation of the 1940s who defended their country.

This year, the staff of the memorial complex received the Special Presidential Prize in the field of culture and art for their

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significant contribution to the preservation of the historical truth about the Great Patriotic War, the project of the Union State "Overhaul, restoration and museumisation of Brest Fortress in the Brest Fortress memorial complex"

President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko congratulated the staff of the memorial complex on the anniversary. The head of state noted that on June 22, 1941, the citadel became the first shield on the path of the Nazi army, the garrison fought to the last drop of blood. "We still do not know all the names of the brave defenders who stepped into immortality for us and their country," – the congratulation says.

Thanks to the painstaking work of the staff of the memorial complex, contemporaries open new pages in the defense of the fortress and admire the feat of the heroic generation of victors, the welcoming address says. "Together with millions of visitors from near and far abroad who have visited the memorial for half a century, we bow our heads and silently thank everyone who fought here for their lives and clear skies."

The head of state expressed confidence that the activities of the team, aimed at preserving the truth about the Great Patriotic War and the role of our people therein, contributes to the education of true patriots, allows Belarus to continue building its future on the basis of national unity, universal values, peace and harmony.

In the afternoon, a solemn meeting dedicated to the memory of the defenders took place on the Ceremonial Square. The main event of the round table "Memorial. 50 Years at the Service of History" was the presentation of the anniversary album "Brest Fortress. History and Memory". Svetlana Yaskevich

Age-free interest in everyday life

On October 1, the Day of Senior Citizens was celebrated in modern Belarus for the fourth decade. This is a kind of tribute to the older generation. According to opinion polls, the majority of Belarusians consider it their duty to take care of their retired relatives. And the state, of course, does not abandon them to their fate either.

Longevity in the full sense of the word

By the way, the President of Belarus also congratulated the citizens of the older generation on the Day of Senior Citizens. The congratulation said that this holiday once again reminds of the cultural code of Belarusians, in which great respect for the elderly is the most important priority in society, and wisdom, rich life experience always underlie making fateful decisions. This year has been declared the Year of National Unity, stressed Alexander Lukashenko: "Our unity would have been impossible without the consolidation of all generations in an attempt to ensure peace and harmony in our native land, to build the future of our country, relying on time-tested traditions and values. It is you, the people of the golden age, who are the guarantor of their preservation. Therefore, one of the main directions of state policy was, is and will be social protection of senior citizens." The congratulation also notes that today Belarus has built an extensive system to support and improve the quality of life of this population category, to expand opportunities for active longevity and self-realization. The President wished everyone good health, good mood, peace of mind and well-being both on holidays and weekdays.

Yes, aging population is one of the dominant trends in the demographic development of most countries in the world. Actually, this is a natural and irreversible process of our time, affecting all spheres of life of modern society. Any country pays maximum attention to it, and Belarus is no exception. Last December, the Government approved the National Strategy "Active longevity – 2030". Its goal is to create conditions for the most complete and effective realization of the potential of older people, a sustainable improvement in their quality of life. More precisely, the Strategy defines the priority areas of development in such spheres of life as education and employment, health care and social services, social inclusion. A large-scale network has been formed and is developing in the country – 146 social service centers are operating in each administrative district, there are 83 inpatient facilities. 155 day care departments have been opened, almost 13 thousand elderly people regularly visit them. By the way, this was recently stressed by representatives of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection at the press conference at the National Press Center.

Help comes in due time

The task of the territorial centers is to organize leisure. Various hobby groups and

clubs work there, so that elderly people can learn to do the things they had no time for before. Creativity, physiotherapy exercises, learning to play musical instruments, learning foreign languages – these and other focus areas are very popular. In many clubs, classes are taught by pensioners themselves – the so-called third-age volunteers. The movement, which originated in Minsk in 1994, has spread throughout the country. Now it unites more than two thousand people who consider it their duty to help others. Volunteer teams carry out the programs "Senior to the Elderly", "Grandmother for an Hour," and others. As Tatyana Fedorova, head of the main department of social services and social assistance of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, noted at the press conference at the National Press Center, special attention is now paid to veterans of the Great Patriotic War and those who suffered from its consequences – almost 14 thousand people, as well as lonely unconnected elderly people – about 129 thousand. Every year, the employees of the territorial centers examine such citizens, identify the problems that have arisen. At the moment, 90% of this kind of requests have been fulfilled. If necessary, support is provided – living quarters and stoves are repaired, fire detectors are installed, etc. More than six thousand elderly people have already received such assistance this year.

Do not forget about the health of body and mind

According to the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, elderly Belarusians don't fall out of love with life. They are active Internet users, communicate on social networks. Territorial social service centers play an important role in computer literacy improvement. Volunteers, including students, are involved to help. And the UN Population Fund, together with one of the mobile phone providers, has developed a manual for the elderly, which in plain language explains how to use the Internet on mobile phones, how to find the necessary information and much more. Besides, now online training is being conducted for employees of territorial centers so that they can also teach the people under care to use these skills.

Euphrosinia Bazyleva, veteran of the Great Patriotic War: – For me old age is a joy! This is the golden time of life, when you can devote more time to yourself: to do what you love, to go for long walks, to communicate with like-minded people. My secret of internal energy is in a positive and friendly attitude towards other people. Although I am almost 90 years old, I do not consider myself to be old. Like other veterans of war and labor, I’d rather be called a person of great life experience and wisdom. We are not used to talking about diseases and complaining about something. We, who withstood the hard times of war, are not afraid of any hardships. I walk up to four kilometers a day, I like to make vegetable- and fruit-shaped cakes. I’ve recently taken part in the "Veterans' parties" and the competition "My orchard and vegetable garden". I met so many people with bright eyes and enthusiasm at this wonderful event! Thanks to the

In Belarus, about 1.5 million people belong to the 65+ age category, which is almost 16 percent of the population

veteran organization of the Sovetsky district of Minsk, we have the opportunity to have a good time, communicate and demonstrate our talents.

Vladimir Kulchitsky, Academician, Doctor of Medicine, Deputy Director for Research of the Institute of Physiology of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus: – In the modern world, many people of retirement age tend to lead an active lifestyle. Such intensive activity of the brain in particular, contributes to longevity. Of course, provided that there are no serious chronic diseases. Active longevity is not uncommon among scientists. As a representative of the Department of Medical Sciences, I have deep respect and admiration for such people, whose lifestyle and ideas are the drivers of the development of scientific thought. Wisdom comes with age, and it is worth noting that the formation of academies of sciences in different countries has always been focused on the dominance of this particular property of the human mind. From the point of view of neurophysiology, wisdom is not an innate reflex, but is developed in the process of long-term improvement and training of the brain neural networks to make non-standard decisions. But how can this be achieved? There is no particular secret here. The reason is that the researcher uses the analytical capabilities of his/her brain, which allow him/her to process the amount of information comparable to the amount of information on the Internet.

In this regard, one cannot fail to mention as an example the famous Belarusian scientist academician Petr Vityaz – a very active person who, despite his considerable age, is knowledgeable in numerous current tasks, works fruitfully in the Presidium of the National Academy of Sciences, oversees such a complex area as the country's space industry. The same applies to academician David Golub, who analyzed the structure and functions of the nervous and circulatory systems of animals and humans even being over 100 years old. The conclusions he drew are still used in clinical practice. By the way, one of the secrets of his amazing performance was physical activity, i.e. the habit of many-kilometer walks, which he did every day during breaks and on the way to work. Thus, we can conclude that the main thing is not to forget about the health of the body and mind, read interesting books, and find activities to your liking.

Alexey Fedosov

Energy of good deeds

Digitalization of the fuel and energy complex, aspects of nuclear energy and the development of electric transport – these and other relevant topics were discussed at the XXV Belarusian Energy and Environmental Forum

Belarus has set a course for the improvement of energy efficiency and energy saving. Over the past ten years alone, the energy intensity of the country's GDP has decreased by 1.2 times. And in ages, Energy Expo has become a central platform for dialogue between representatives of governmental bodies, energy companies, organizations producing equipment, and the scientific community.

Thus, a number of ministries – of energy, natural resources and environmental protection, industry, housing and communal services – held the XXV Belarusian Energy and Environmental Forum in Minsk. It is noteworthy that this year the anniversary of the event coincided with the 90th anniversary of the Belarusian energy system.

In particular, the forum was attended by more than 200 organizations from seven countries, including the leading enterprises of the energy industry of our country, as well as Rosatom, Siemens, Honeywell, Rrohne, Tavrida Electric and others. The program of the event included international specialized exhibitions "Energy. Ecology. Energy Saving. Electro", Oil & Gas Technologies, "Atom-Expo-Belarus", "Expomir", "Water and Air Technologies", "Expogorod", as well as XXV Belarusian Energy and Environmental Congress. – During the forum, we discussed strategic directions for the development of the energy sector, which are important for the residents of our country, – noted Olga Prudnikova, Deputy Minister of Energy.

With the commissioning of the first power unit of BelNPP, the country's fuel and energy balance has certainly changed significantly. Accordingly, changes have taken place in the structure of electricity production, as well as energy consumption. Electricity serves as a primary carrier for heating, hot water supply. A full lineup of new kind of vehicles has appeared, from public to personal.

Intensive development of these areas requires an appropriate infrastructure and legal regulation. Questions of tariff policy are always of interest. The discussion during the forum was also about the involvement of municipal solid waste, local and renewable energy sources in the energy balance.

Today, in terms of digitalization and automation of processes, the fuel and energy complex is one of the most advanced in the economy. The Ministry of Energy is working on promising projects which deal with such issues as smart city, the introduction of universal metering control systems, the transmission of data on consumed energy resources, the automatic calculation and charging of payments for housing and communal services and the online use of all information resources and services that digital platforms can offer.

As we know, the country has recently adopted a state program for the development of electric transport, according to which, in particular, it is planned to actively transfer passenger transport to electricity. – We set an ambitious goal to transfer almost half of passenger transport to electricity in cities by 2025. This cannot be done without new materials, technologies, energy storage BELTA

devices that are being developed and created today, – said Alexander Shumilin, Chairperson of the State Committee for Science and Technology.

Meanwhile, presentations of technologies in the field of environmental protection, rational use of natural resources, renewable energy, disposal and efficient use of waste became the key ones in the exposition of the Ministry of Natural Resources at the forum. The Ministry of Natural Resources was also the organizer of a scientific and practical conference on the development of green economy. The event became a unique platform for discussions on environmental policy improvement. Alexander Pimenov

Vladimir Lipsky: "There are still many plans"

Children's book and the market... Can these concepts be combined? What are the priorities of young readers of Belarus today? What is more important – reading in a gadget, on the phone screen or getting to know a printed book?.. Vladimir Lipsky is a writer whose work has been awarded with the title of laureate of the State Prize of the Republic of Belarus, Honored Worker of Culture of the Republic of Belarus. He is awarded with Francysk Skaryna Medal, Francysk Skaryna Order. He is the laureate of various literary awards of Belarus and Russia. For more than 40 years he used to work as the editorin-chief of Vyaselka magazine. Dozens of books by Vladimir Stepanovich are a reflection of his multifaceted searches for the main being of the Country, which is called Childhood. Our interlocutor is an attentive teacher, an attentive artist of the word, and, of course, a person who is not indifferent to what moral and spiritual priorities will remain as the primary ones for the next generations of boys and girls.

– Vladimir Stepanovich, recently you were awarded by the publishing house "Adukatsya i vyhavanne" as one of the few authors whose books are sold out much more than others. A children's book and the market – is it the correct way the question is put?

– At the meeting with Minsk fifthgraders I asked them an unexpected question:

– Why does it happen – every person has brains, and some lack minds?

They started thinking. Went quiet. It means, I hooked them. And I immediately suggested acting out an episode from my new story "A third grader in love". As if a storyteller comes to their class and offers to immediately compose magic. He takes a chair and announces that it is magic. He seats Marinka, a pupil, onto it and announces that she is already a heroine. This happens in almost all fairy tales: the opening scene – there was once; and another scene – once upon a time...

Now a third scene should begin – and suddenly!

Everyone froze, what will happen to Marinka and the chair?

The wizard mysteriously announces:

– And suddenly the chair with Marinka flew into space. Your classmate is high in the sky. Sees the Earth and you in class. You can ask her questions...

The children applauded and were glad that their friend was already in space. And it began: do you see us, what is our planet like, are there aliens there?..

I suggest another veariant of the tale. The chair with Marinka sank into a deep dungeon. And there she found three bags of gold. What to do?

Marinka was confused. The children began to raise their hands. And the teacher heard a great variety of ideas! Her pupils began to spend the gold in different ways: I will buy a house for myself, a car, a new smartphone, the rest will take home; I will buy all the sweets, all the ice cream and fly to the warm sea; I will build a villa, my own swimming pool... And only one girl said: – And I would give these bags with gold to disabled children and orphans. Let them rejoice...

In short, it turned out to be a meditation lesson. It was as if the children had been to the gym. So that's what we need to inspire our readers – to develop the mind and build up the muscles of the soul. An unsurpassed teacher in this matter was, is and will remain Its Majesty the Book.

Frankly speaking, I am pleased that my books "I live here", "My Belarus", "Have mercy and uplift", "The ABC of life" are popular with the readers and are being reprinted. On the last Day of Belarusian Written Language in Kopyl, I used up in writing autographs my whole "PARKER"pen. Joy! But there was bitterness in my soul as well. A mother and her daughter came up to the booth of the publishing house "Adukatsya and Vyhavanne". I talked to the girl. She wanted to have my book "I live here" – a multi-genre tale about our Belarus. And suddenly the mother publicly humiliated her child: "You won’t read this book, you are glued to your phone. Let's get out of here!.."

The problem of our time arises: everyone needs to fight for a good book, not pulp-fiction. The writer ensures quality. Journalists, reviewers give the book wings. Publishers bring their product to schools and families. Teachers, parents train minds and souls of their children. And how can it be otherwise, if we want them to follow us, be replaced by worthy successors?

– A few months ago you left the post of editor-in-chief of the children's magazine "Vyaselka". You have worked there for more than four decades. Is it difficult to retire? Are you worried about tomorrow's fate of the magazine?

– Ivan Shamyakin brought me to the Vyaselka magazine. I then worked in the Belarusian Writers' Union as an executive secretary. With regret, they let me go, I used to serve the writers well. But the wise Ivan Shamyakin, supported by Maksim Tank, Ivan Chigrinov, Boris Sachenko, Anatoly Vertinsky, the then leaders of the Writers' Union, bid farewell with hope:

DMITRY SAPSAY

– Vladimir, you love children, you write for them. We believe in you!.. "Vyaselka" really became my destiny, my planet, my life. I feel anxious if young people will preserve my editorial principles, which I have cultivated for many years in the oldest children's magazine in the country. I kept this bar at a high, demanded level. What is my experience?

Look not at the face of the author, but in his work. In Belarusian it sounds almost like a rhyme. Accept your reader as a gift from God. Do your job with the sweat of God. Love life and teach children to do it. Take care of the Motherland, know how to stand up for it. Do not damage your reputation, keep your conscience clear. Be a Human and faithfully serve the Children!

"Vyaselka" also polished my literary abilities. For the cause of raising children, with hope and faith, I launched several dozen books. I would like to believe that they will help young contemporaries find themselves in life. Yes, indeed, my editorship in the magazine has ended, but my service to the Children does not end. "Vyaselka" started publishing my new project "Where Our Names Come

– The publishers have just given wings to my book of confessions "The Coronation of the Soul". It came out in the series "Living Word". I hope my sincere confessions will help readers to figure out what to believe in, what not to believe in, with whom to be friends and not to be friends, whom to love and not to love, what to expect and not to expect, what to read and not to read... In total, the book

contains fifteen confessions of my souls.

I offered the publishers my autobiographical novel "Taurus". I am looking forward to its publication.

And what manuscripts I keep on my desktop is still a secret. I admit one thing – I really love the genre of the diary. Recently my anniversary diary "Every day is the last" was published. I am keeping a diary this year, too. I want to leave many

During the meeting with young readers

From". I invited my readers on a trip across Belarus. Together we will solve the mysterious toponymy of our cities, towns and villages. And for the magazine "Busya", for the little ones, I offered the story "Laughing Marinka", in which the main character learns to think.

– And what new book did the writer Vladimir Lipsky give to the publishing house?

moments of life in my memory. For myself. For my readers.

– What topics do you think are the most important for a young reader?

– The young reader is obliged, and we, adults, really want to be replaced by a well-bred, civilly liable generation that loves their Motherland. These are not just wishes. They contain the future fate of the country. So the writer should define his main themes. It seems to me that we are indebted to the young readers in regards of the knowledge of the history of our country, family roots and traditions, and the culture of Belarusians. I am one of the initiators of the series of books "Personalities" ("Asoba") in the publishing house "Adukatsya i Vyhavanne". We show and tell young readers which of the contemporaries can give them life lessons, how to look for one’s place in the world, how to value the time while the candle of your destiny is burning. I have prepared three such books – about the cosmonaut Petr Klimuk; about the talented agrarian

Aleksey Skakun, who at one time resigned a bureaucratic post, took over three lameduck farms and made a fairy tale come true in Ostromechevo; about a talented artist, director, writer Valery Anisenko. By their life, work, beliefs, such people give master classes to young men and women who are in search of their "self".

– Is it possible to talk about love with the third graders, for example?

– It’s necessary! After all, the world rests on love. Victor Hugo precisely defined the significance of these feelings: "Life is a flower, love is honey from it". In search of such honey, one life is not enough. So talking about such important things with children is a duty of both parents and writers.

I have a book called "A third grader in love". The storyteller invited Tolik and Alesya to his winged car. They travel not across the blue seas, but around their own Belarus. They visit Vasya Vyaselkin, the hero of the children's magazine "Vyaselka", meet with White Stork, the owner of a unique estate, talk with the gray Beaver in a Chernobyl village, descend into the underground, where Soligorsk people extract potash fertilizers, visit Belovezhsky auroch... And they as if get to know each other again, respect each other. And the Storyteller is an amazing teacher for them.

There was a presentation in one of Logoysk schools. All third graders gathered in the hall. I asked secretly: "Is there anyone in love among you?" Almost the entire audience raised their hands. The principal and teachers smiled shyly. They didn't seem to know about it.

– Which writer is closer to you – Samuil Marshak or Eduard Uspensky?

– Both Samuil Marshak and Eduard Uspensky are wonderful, wise professors of children's souls. Each has his own writing manner. This is quite understandable. But the goal is the same – to captivate their readers by their characters, to help them understand the labyrinth of life. These masters are really children's writers. And today anyone who uttered a crow about

his/her children's book, proudly declares that he/she is a children's writer. No, my dear ones, in order to become a children's writer, you need to devote your whole life to this, to process children's problems through your soul, along all the strings of your nerves. Lev Nikolaevich Tolstoy lamented at the end of his life that he had not finished his main book – "Primer".

– Do you think the works of Yanka Mavr, Vitaly Bianka, Georgy Skrebitsky are modern today?

– Yes, these are popular authors for all generations of children that I have known in my life. Recently I took and re-read the story of Yanka Mavr "Polesie Rabinsons". The book was published in 1940, it has a dedicatory inscription of the youngest son of Yakub Kolas, Mikhail Konstantinovich Mitskevich, the son-inlaw of Yanka Mavr. It was as if I returned to my childhood, discovered my Shelkovichi in a new way, my dense forests, in which I roamed, found bunches of boletus in an oak grove, discovered places of partisan camps. Books of children's classics have amazing life. We, modern writers, have a lot to think about. We kindly envy the masters!

– Do you read Russian children's magazines? Which of them would you recommend to Belarusian schoolchildren?

– I have a long-standing friendship with Murzilka. Previously, we exchanged delegations, subscribed to each other, published our authors. Vasya Vyaselkin and Murzilka, longtime literary characters, lived in friendship. But the time of today's reality somehow separates us, although everything should be exactly the opposite. What's the matter? And the fact is that "Murzilka" became private, "Vyaselka" remained under state patronage. It seems to me that we need a solid program of the Union State on work with Children. They are kids today, but tomorrow they are the people!

– Many years ago you wrote a book about the front-line nurse Zinaida Tusnolobova-Marchenko. And what

The young reader is obliged, and we, adults, really want to be replaced by a well-bred, civilly liable generation that loves their Motherland. These are not just wishes. They contain the future fate of the country.

characters does children's literature lack today?

– Zina Tusnolobova-Marchenko is an amazing person. The nurse returned from the war without arms and legs, Hero of the Soviet Union. Her beloved Joseph Marchenko came from the front. The marriage was registered in Polotsk civil registry office. And they began to live happily. A son and a daughter were born in the family of front-line soldiers. I have never met a happier family. Today's children should be skillfully told about the truth of the war, about how to form the character and a sense of responsibility for the family and the Motherland. I touched upon these topics in the books "Snowdrops in the Sky", "Son of the Day", "Yanka Wreath", "Bow to a Grass Blade" and I understood that such revelations are missing in children's literature.

– In Russia today, about 80 percent of the total children's book novelties is translated literature. Is it good?

– We need to translate each other. After all, this is a bridge to friendship,

There are dozens of different books on Vladimir Lipsky's creative account

understanding and spiritual communication. I can not determine the percentage, but I firmly know that such friendship unites not only authors and readers, but take it higher – the peoples. Once the Ukrainian poet Bogdan Chaly, who didn’t know me, translated my story "Steep Versts" – about Zina Tusnolobova-Marchenko. It was printed twice in Kiev. And Bogdan and I became close friends and created a joint book "Love me in any fate" – about the Belarusian and Ukrainian youth taken to German working camps during the war. Now I have finished translation of Albert Likhanov's story "Mamma's darling" – about how a Russian boy perceived the war, being far from it. The story very subtly conveys the feelings and thoughts of a boy who noticed around him civilians oppressed by the war, who first saw the wounded front-line soldiers...

Going towards the spiritual enrichment of each other is a matter of state importance of various peoples. I would return to Soviet practice, when the Writers' Union in each country trained, educated, and inspired translators into many languages. And thus, the most popular books of the countries of the world found their readers in Belarus in a timely manner. Well, children's literature has always been a priority.

– Do you give the manuscripts of your books for review to school teachers? What advice do you expect from them?

– A school teacher is a creative person. I have known the teacher Irina Butorina for a long time. And I was pleasantly surprised when she brought a manuscript of the book about me, "Insider in the Country of Childhood". It turns out that she is closely following my work. It's lovely!

At one time, I gave my storiesfairy tales "The Adventure of Nolik", "Andreyka Dobrik and the Devil Duronik" for a teacherpupil examination. I listened with excitement to their assessment. Very strict revelations. Their advice comes from school everyday life, from the problems of modern readers.

– And what is your main pedagogical advice to young parents? Advice to parents from Vladimir Lipsky

If you want to know something, think about it. If you want to stay inspired, be surprised. If you want a sleepless soul, fall in love. If you don't want to be a barren fig-tree, do not be lazy. If you want silence, be quiet. If you want to be in time everywhere, do not flicker, do not fuss. If you want to understand another person, appreciate his/her thoughts. If you want morning freshness, don't oversleep. If you want conciliation, do not betray. If you want respect, earn it. If you want to see beauty, be inspired. If you want to have a friend, trust him/her. If you want to hear words of praise, work hard. If you want to keep the day by the tail, do not flicker. If you want to live, don't die before death.

If you want all this to work, repeat the parting words of Evgeny Evtushenko every day:

"God, grant everything, but only what you will not be ashamed of later."

– My parents Maria and Stepan did not go to school. They only knew how to sign. But they, as I understand now, were proficient in folk pedagogy. In the arsenal of my father there was an educational belt: "Is it difficult for you to read a book?.." From other teachings: "Do not be lazy to work, you will always have a pretty penny and a full belly"; "Don't take what belongs to other people – you’ll be left without your skin"; "Listen to your elders – they won't teach you bad things." Mother's requests: "Son, be obedient, a friendly calf sucks two mothers"; "Live honestly so that your conscience is clear"; "Do not get lost in people when you begin to live on your own."

– What book would you like to write first of all?

–There are many plans, but little time. There is a desire to recall the people I met in my life and write the revelation "They are in my heart". I want to create a book about the writers with whom fate brought me together, who left a good mark and undeserved scratches in my soul. As usual, I dream of getting deep into the history of my beloved Belarus. And of course, to compose new fairy tales, stories for children. I can only dream of a calm life.

Interviewed by Sergey Shichko