Miory Regional Executive Committee
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 finds an occasion for another assignment. 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, stay informed about the most relevant statements and decisions of the Belarusian leader.
The head of state's working week began with a discussion of a project to create an educational center where the most gifted students would be trained in the professions of the future, thereby forming a kind of intellectual special forces of the country. Alexander Lukashenko did not reject the idea as such, but instructed to thoroughly consider and discuss everything once again.
A separate meeting was dedicated to the results and prospects of cooperation between Belarus and China. A third presidential directive is being prepared on this topic. Alexander Lukashenko confirmed the course towards building strategic relations of the highest level with China.
The Head of State continues to personally monitor the progress of a large-scale snap inspection of the combat readiness of the Armed Forces. Alexander Lukashenko heard a thorough report from the State Secretary of the Security Council, Alexander Volfovich, on this matter.
In general, there were a number of other reports during the week. They concerned the operation of the domestic power system under difficult weather conditions, the state of affairs in agriculture, the city of Minsk, and the development prospects of the Dzerzhinsky agro-industrial complex. Importantly, Alexander Lukashenko also discussed possible personnel changes with some of the report participants, but ultimately everyone remained in their positions.
To conclude the working week, the Head of State visited "Planar". This is one of the leaders in the microelectronics industry, and it is
Just completed the creation of a state-of-the-art center for special technological equipment for the production of photomasks and microoptics. In certain aspects of microelectronics, Belarus is not just among the world leaders, but ahead of the entire planet. Alexander Lukashenko thanked the enterprise's team, wished them further success, and set the task to continue to run half a step ahead.In communication with the enterprise staff, the discussion was not limited to microelectronics. Alexander Lukashenko urged not to worry too much about artificial intelligence; he instructed to make the Year of Belarusian Women as memorable as possible for the fair sex; he commented on the snow battles in TikTok and spoke about the future development of the capital. On Saturday, the head of state, as part of the presidential ice hockey team, played a match against the Grodno region team. The final score was 10:5 in favor of the President of Belarus team. Alexander Lukashenko also follows the results in other sports. After the successful performance of domestic biathletes at the Commonwealth Cup stage in Raubichi, the athletes received "doping" from the President - salo with bread, honey, sweets, and more. The head of state signed a law on the ratification of the agreement between the governments of Belarus and Oman on the mutual abolition of visas. This should contribute to the development and strengthening of cooperation between the two countries. Alexander Lukashenko congratulated the staff of the Academy of Management under the President of Belarus on
35th anniversary of the institution's founding. He noted that the academy has become an example of quality and professionalism in training managerial staff. Another presidential congratulation this week was addressed to the laureates and scholarship holders of the special funds of the President of Belarus for social support of gifted pupils and students and for the support of talented youth on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the funds' establishment. The President congratulated the leadership of India on Republic Day and emphasized that Belarus is proud of its long-standing friendly relations with this country. A congratulation was also sent to Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus' Kirill on the anniversary of his enthronement. The Head of State is convinced that the dedicated work of Patriarch Kirill will continue to fully contribute to the noble cause of strengthening good-neighborly relations between fraternal peoples.INTELLECTUAL SPECIAL FORCES. How the President reacted to the idea of creating a university for the most gifted
On January 26, Alexander Lukashenko held a meeting on the creation of an educational center for training personnel in advanced fields.
It is assumed that such a step will be a logical continuation of training at the level of the National Children's Technopark and within the framework of experimental programs that have already been implemented in a number of universities. The task is to provide the most gifted and intellectually advanced youth with the opportunity to receive top-level education in specialties of the future that are needed by the modern economy. At the same time, at an accelerated pace, literally in two years, to master the standard university course, after which to work on an individual program for the implementation of specific projects in close connection with the production and scientific sectors. The authors of the idea expect that this approach will make it possible to retain valuable, talented personnel in Belarus, which will ultimately give an additional impetus to the country's development.
To discuss this issue, representatives of the government, the Presidential Administration, the National Academy of Sciences, the Minsk City Executive Committee, as well as universities - BSU, BSUIR, BSTU, BNTU, BrSTU, Belarusian-Russian University were invited to the meeting.
"It has been said more than once that the system of our education should be a priority (and, it seems, it is a priority in Belarus). This is especially true for the present time, when education and science are at a special stage of development. One of the most important tasks for the country today (perhaps this is the most important task) is the modernization of the economy on an innovative basis," the President said. "For such a serious innovative transformation of the economy, we need specialists capable of competing in terms of knowledge with the leading world schools. And not just to compete, but to create a high-quality competitive Belarusian product. This is task number one for the higher education system."
He stressed the need to determine which promising areas should be developed. And he raised the question of whether a separate center or university should be created for this purpose. "It seems to me that we have the opportunity to develop (promising areas. - Editorial note of BELTA) in our traditional centers of science and education. I mean universities, institutes, the Academy of Sciences. There is enough space, if only there were people who could drive it forward," Alexander Lukashenko noted.
He drew attention to the fact that experimental training of specialists in promising areas is already underway at BSU and other universities, and this practice should be extended to regional universities as well. In addition, Belarus actively cooperates with technologically advanced countries, implementing joint educational programs with universities in China, Russia, and other states. Therefore, the task was set to work out the issue of creating an educational center where the training of personnel for tomorrow will be concentrated. The government has submitted its proposals on this matter.
However, Alexander Lukashenko did not rush to make hasty decisions and outlined a number of fundamental issues for the participants of the discussion. They concerned, among other things, the experimental programs already being implemented in universities, and the staffing. After all, it is obvious that if a new center is created, it is necessary to gather not only the best students but also teachers and practitioners.
"We cannot afford to deplete the staffing of the country's leading higher education institutions (to some extent, this may happen), the scientific schools that exist there, and even more so to weaken regional universities. A decrease in the quality of education is unacceptable. The international prestige of our higher education and the export of educational services depend on this," the Belarusian leader emphasized. One of the proposed options for locating the new educational center is a complex of buildings on Pobediteley Avenue in Minsk. The President clarified whether this is possible in buildings that were intended for office space, and how it is planned to equip classrooms, laboratories, and common areas there. And also whether the issue of ensuring biological and chemical safety has been worked out, as it is done in the Center for Biology at BSU? "We cannot take risks, this is practically the city center," he noted. Minister of Education Andrei Ivants in his report stated that there is a struggle for gifted youth in the world, and Belarus is no exception. Every year, Belarusian schoolchildren win more than 50 medals at international Olympiads, and more than 200 become winners of republican Olympiads. More than 100 graduates of the National Children's Technopark enter universities without exams. "Undoubtedly, this is our golden intellectual fund. And such students rightfully want to receive a world-class higher education," the minister said.
At the same time, he emphasized that this does not mean that students in regular university programs are poorly trained. However, not everyone will be able to master advanced programs. "We need a kind of special forces," said Andrei Ivants. "Yes, today gifted youth are a unique creation in any state. And we must do everything possible to protect and, frankly, keep this youth with us. This is task number one. There can be no deviations," Alexander Lukashenko noted in this regard.
The meeting comprehensively reviewed the issues related to the establishment of a new educational center. A discussion took place, during which various points of view were expressed. As a result, the President instructed to study this issue again in detail, with the widest possible scope, and to submit final proposals as soon as possible.
- "To achieve the highest possible efficiency." Rector of BSU on the prospects of the new educational center
- Rector of BSUIR on the creation of a new educational center: this task is akin to building a nuclear power plant
- "Training specialists is a strategically important approach." Rector of BrSTU on the new educational center
- "To gather all talents in one place." Professor of BSU on the idea of creating an educational center
SERIOUSLY AND FOR THE LONG TERM. What will be in the new directive on relations with China
On January 27, Alexander Lukashenko held a meeting on the development of cooperation with the PRC. This continued a series of events dedicated to interaction with individual countries and regions of the world.
The President has repeatedly spoken about the importance of developing relations with China. Two presidential directives were adopted on this issue. The first was for 2015-2021. Its logical continuation was the directive for 2021-2025. And now it is time to develop and adopt a document for the next five-year period. At the meeting, Alexander Lukashenko emphasized that the tasks in the new directive should be specified in pieces and kilograms. But general goals should be set in this strategic document. For example, to increase China's share in Belarus's total exports. "Ideally, to double digits. This will be a qualitative change," the President noted.
- Lukashenko confirmed the course towards building strategic relations of the highest level with China
- A strategy of cooperation forever. Snopkov on the draft of the new Directive on relations with China
"For us, China is the most reliable ally on all issues. The decision to build strategic relations of the highest level with China is not subject to revision. On the contrary, we will invest resources, time, and attention in strengthening our cooperation. We have all the reserves for this," the Belarusian leader emphasized. "China is serious and for the long term. We will always cooperate with China as long as our country exists as an independent and sovereign state. I am sure that we will always be independent and sovereign too."
"Amidst tectonic geopolitical changes, Beijing is a crucial anchor for Minsk. And not just for Minsk. The special status of Belarusian-Chinese interaction is recognized and taken into account by everyone – from Russians and Americans to African countries," the head of state stated. He cited a number of examples of successful Belarusian-Chinese cooperation. These include the popular "BELGEE" cars, growing tourism and educational contacts, world-class sports facilities that have graced Minsk, and much more. However, regarding the promotion of Belarusian exports to China, the President is confident that the potential is far from exhausted. About $1.7 billion for 2025 and more than 4% of the total supply volume is very little, even by Belarusian standards, assessed Alexander Lukashenko.
The President urged everyone to work more actively in the Chinese market and announced the need to reformat the investment direction. He is confident that the work in this regard is still very weak, especially at the regional level. "Have we done everything to make Chinese investors flock to us along the Silk Road?" he posed the question.
Dozens of Chinese companies are registered in the "Great Stone" Industrial Park, and the new management of the park and the government must assist in the prompt launch and reaching planned capacity of all declared projects, the Belarusian leader instructed.
READINESS NO. 1. What tasks does Lukashenko set during the inspection of the Armed Forces
The head of state is personally monitoring the large-scale snap inspection of the combat readiness of the Armed Forces. On January 28, Alexander Lukashenko heard a report from the State Secretary of the Security Council, Alexander Volfovich.
The President was thoroughly briefed on the specifics and interim results of the inspection, how personnel and equipment are coping with the assigned tasks, and how the provision and storage of material assets are organized. Alexander Lukashenko was particularly interested in how personnel are accommodated and their daily life is organized in difficult weather conditions, and the availability of necessary uniforms.
The head of state placed special emphasis on the issues of using the experience of modern military conflicts as applied to the Belarusian forest and swamp terrain.
The President set the necessary tasks for the further progress of the inspection, which will last until spring of the current year. Based on its results, a detailed analysis will be carried out to eliminate possible shortcomings and adjust efforts to improve the Armed Forces, and train personnel. A large-scale inspection of the Armed Forces, initiated by the head of state, began on January 16. A system has been established whereby the President, bypassing the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff, brings military units to combat readiness. The primary goal of such an inspection is to see an objective picture. That is why the measures are sudden in nature.
WINTER VIBE. How the Belarusian energy system coped with the ice storm and more
Another report to the head of state this week was from Deputy Prime Minister Viktor Karankevich. The focus was on the functioning of the country's energy infrastructure in the current challenging weather conditions. Blizzards, frosts, and even ice storms undoubtedly add to the workload of the employees in this sector. The main task is to ensure a reliable supply of electricity and heat to the population, and to respond promptly to possible emergency situations. This issue is under the special control of the head of state.
The Deputy Prime Minister reported on the situation in the country on January 27-28, during a period of deteriorating weather conditions. Power outages were registered in 475 settlements, and energy workers responded promptly everywhere. At the same time, there were no disconnections in the backbone power transmission lines. The golden standard in case of force majeure is to restore power supply within a maximum of 24 hours. If it is not possible to quickly carry out repair work on the line, then diesel generators become a temporary solution as a last resort. There are 690 repair crews in the country, equipped with modern equipment and technology. If necessary, they can be additionally redeployed to any affected region.
The President was informed that the Minsk and Gomel regions were most affected by the bad weather, and partially the Vitebsk region. The report to the head of state also touched upon the issues of centralized heating of settlements. The work is organized in a standard mode. Measures have been taken to reduce the load on the heating networks. At the same time, Viktor Karankevich assured that the necessary heating standards are being ensured for both the housing stock and social facilities, as well as administrative buildings. It was noted that, in general, Belarusian energy workers have implemented a set of measures in recent years to prevent emergency situations and minimize power outages due to adverse weather conditions. Work in this direction will continue. As the Deputy Prime Minister told reporters, 10-15 years ago, with similar weather conditions, the number of power outages could have been much higher.
(NOT)STAFF DAY. Whom did Lukashenko talk to man-to-man, and what was he reported on
- On the situation in Minsk
- On work in agriculture
- On the development prospects of the Dzerzhinsky agro-combine
On January 29, the President received reports from Chairman of the Minsk City Executive Committee Vladimir Kukharev, Minister of Agriculture and Food Yuri Gorlov, and Director General of the Dzerzhinsky Agro-Industrial Complex Vladimir Lukyanov.
It became known that their candidacies had previously been proposed for personnel appointments. In particular, as reported to the President, Vladimir Kukharev and Vladimir Lukyanov allegedly wished to move to work in the government. Alexander Lukashenko decided to personally meet with potential candidates for new positions and find out how they themselves viewed the relevant proposals. Especially since the President had no serious claims against any of those invited for the conversation. He proposed to discuss the relevant issues in a manly and human way, without regard to any wishes or proposals.
As a result, Alexander Lukashenko rejected the personnel proposals, and with the consent of those invited for the reports, each remained in their current positions.
Naturally, the matter was not limited to discussing personnel issues only. During the reports, important areas of current work were considered.
On the situation in Minsk
"The main issue is the situation in Minsk. Objectively, honestly. I am more concerned about the problems. I want to say directly that I don't see big problems in Minsk. But that's me. And you, as the head of our city, the capital, are constantly in this wheel and know more than I do. I am most concerned about the problems that exist in managing this metropolis. And this is very important in connection with the situation that is developing in Minsk as a result of weather conditions. Therefore, this is the main issue," the President said while receiving a report from Vladimir Kukharev.
- "Only for those in need". Kukharev announced plans to reduce housing construction in Minsk
- We worked together. Kukharev thanked everyone for their help in clearing snow in Minsk
On agricultural work
During Yuri Gorlov's report, the head of state focused on the issues of livestock wintering and ensuring their safety. "I often had to communicate with you. Especially this winter. It was not in vain that I put pressure on the regions, the country, and you. Especially with livestock wintering. And God has seriously tested us. Therefore, the first question is: what is the current situation in agriculture? Especially regarding livestock safety. What is alarming? This is the most important issue. Which regions are ahead of us, and which are lagging behind? And, most importantly, the reason why we are not succeeding somewhere," the Belarusian leader outlined the topic of conversation.
Alexander Lukashenko also inquired about the progress in addressing previously set tasks for the restoration and organization of work of district-level organizations, such as district agroservices, district agricultural chemistry, and construction organizations. "We have a number of districts that have resolved these issues. And in the spring, of course, we will visit them and invite the relevant officials so that they understand how it needs to be done," he said.On the prospects for the development of the Dzerzhinsky agro-industrial complex
In his opening remarks, the Head of State referred to the agro-industrial complex as a "colossus," alluding to its production scale and the territories it occupies. Currently, "Dzerzhinsky" operates in 9 districts of the Minsk region, and there is discussion about the possibility of further expansion of the agro-industrial complex, incorporating additional assets in other regions of the country, including those that are not the most successful. This was precisely what was discussed during the conversation with the President.
For example, as early as February, the Slutsk Meat Processing Plant will become part of the agro-industrial complex, including its debts. "We will take them on. And we will service and repay them through profits. - Ed. BELTA)," explained the head of "Dzerzhinsky."
In addition, the issue of incorporating the Orsha Meat Processing Plant, which includes four other enterprises, is being considered. The relevant assets are located in the Orsha and Tolochin districts. Alexander Lukashenko expressed confidence that the head of the "Dzerzhinsky" agro-industrial complex will definitely be able to help develop production: "Perhaps you won't invest money there. But organizationally, I am sure, you will make the Orsha district and the adjacent Tolochin district work as they should. Perhaps there is no need to destroy this integration structure. What's wrong with that? A meat processing plant, and enterprises around it. Yes, they are weak – these enterprises. Well, then you need to make them work and be strong."
"I want you to look into it too. Somewhere, perhaps in the western part of the Vitebsk region, to take control of some integration structure. You will cope there faster, given your experience," the President noted. In general, Alexander Lukashenko advised not to hoard money so that it lies idle, but to put it to work. After all, it is important for the agro-combine to expand its raw material zone for development. "We need to invest in enterprises, collective farms, state farms, we need to invest in the land. Because that's where the feed and the grain that you will need for your poultry come from. And if there is pork, something else... It's all grain. You won't feed pigs, and especially poultry, with hay, straw, or silage – you'll need grain. That's why you need to invest," said the head of state.
HALF A STEP AHEAD. What Lukashenko's intuition didn't fail him on and whom he called the initiators of life
On January 30, the President visited Planar OJSC in Minsk. Since the Soviet era, the enterprise has been one of the leaders in the microelectronics industry, and now this sector in Belarus is actually experiencing a renaissance. Under the sanctions imposed on Belarus, Russia, and indeed Planar itself, the competencies of domestic microelectronics specialists have proven to be very useful. Contrary to the voices of skeptics, it has been possible not only to replace foreign microelectronics in a number of critically important positions but also to achieve literally world-class results – to catch up and overtake, as the classic said.
But all this became possible only thanks to the production facilities, work collectives, and scientific schools preserved back in the 90s of the last century. "There was no money at all back then, and everyone needed to (help. - Editor's note BELTA). I understood that if there had been money, we would have taken off. What prompted me then? Most likely, intuition. I clung to all the schools, all the enterprises that we had created, intuitively understanding that they would be needed," the head of state noted. "And our time has come. We did not invest money in vain. What people dreamed of in the Soviet period (those who laid this foundation), these dreams began to come true."
Alexander Lukashenko urges the domestic microelectronics industry not to give up its positions, but to "run half a step ahead and produce products that are in demand all over the world." "If you don't fall behind, you will always have work and big money. Not only ours," Alexander Lukashenko told Sergey Avakov, General Director of Planar OJSC. "You have outpaced everything and everyone. Both in Belarus and in Russia. You have outpaced everyone."
- Lukashenko: The size of a state is determined not by its area, but by its intellect and technologies
By the way, it was here, at Planar, in the 60s of the last century, that the brain and heart of the Soviet Union's microelectronics were created.
The head of state was informed about the enterprise's performance results over five years and development prospects for the coming years. According to Sergey Avakov, General Director of Planar, over the five-year period, the enterprise's revenue increased fourfold, and exports increased fivefold. Planar is carrying out large-scale modernization and expansion of production.
The technologies, equipment, and products of the enterprise are largely unique. Such capabilities exist in only five countries worldwide: the USA, Japan, Germany, Sweden, and Belarus. "And you say 'small Belarus'. It's not that small," the President remarked. "The size of a state today is determined not by its borders or area, but by the level of intellect and production capabilities. We know how to do this," the Belarusian leader emphasized. "We need to accelerate. If we stop, those behind will trample us. If we don't accelerate, there will be no point."
Alexander Lukashenko stressed that Belarus does not possess large reserves of natural resources like oil or rare-earth metals, and therefore can only rely on the intellect of its people and develop high technologies. "We are proud that we have intelligent people and high technologies. And high technologies require us to run faster, faster, and think about not being overtaken. There's nothing to fall back on," the head of state noted. The President assured that the state would always provide support to such advanced productions as those at "Planar". At this level of development, the enterprise is capable of ensuring both good financial and economic performance, and a decent standard of labor and wages for its employees, who, incidentally, are willing to work multiple shifts and on weekends. "And I haven't heard anyone from 'Planar' complaining that they are being forced to work. This is a great thing," the President remarked. "Know one thing: there will be no "salary" in Belarus."
Alexander Lukashenko at "Planar" took part in the ceremony of launching the Center for Special Technological Equipment for the production of photomasks and microoptics, which was created two years ahead of schedule. The new center is the only complex in the territory of the former USSR that allows the production of items at the 90 nm technological level, which are critically necessary for the creation of advanced samples of electronic machine-building equipment. There is potential for a subsequent transition to lower design rules – 65 nm, for which it is planned to re-equip the production. The range of equipment for defect-free production of photomasks, located in the center, is unique, as no state in the world possesses the competencies for the development and production of the entire nomenclature of laser equipment for electronic machine building necessary for organizing the technological process of photomask production.
The President thanked the workers of "Planar" for their work, wished them health and new successes. "You are the main initiators of our lives today, you develop the main directions in our lives along which we move. What artificial intelligence without you? None. Therefore, let it be – artificial intelligence. But the one that we will create together, and which will not replace us," he said.