VITEBSK, 13 July (BelTA) – Belarus will never leave Slavonic Bazaar without state support in order to preserve the scale and range of this cultural event, President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko said at the opening ceremony of the 21st International Arts Festival Slavonic Bazaar in Vitebsk on 12 July, BelTA has learnt. “Each country has its chief cultural symbol. Slavonic Bazaar is that symbol for Belarus. We have never disregarded the festival and will never disregard or leave it without state support so that this large-scale forum will always be a high-profile event,” the head of state said. The President noted that during the festival Vitebsk “turns into a center of an international fair of arts drawing talents from all over the world, celebrating the diversity of unique cultures”. Alexander Lukashenko congratulated all the guests and participants of the festival on its opening. “Let this Slavonic Bazaar become an unforgettable event for each of us. Let it light new stars and put everyone in good spirits,” the President said. “We live in different states. But the art makes us closer,” Alexander Lukashenko said.

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