Belarusian Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko has presented state awards to people from various professional backgrounds, including representatives of the Belarusian news agency BelTA in a ceremony in Minsk on 28 November, BelTA has learned.
"On the instruction of the head of state, I will present well-deserved state awards to those who raise the bar of professionalism in Belarus with their work and innovation. Your achievements are not only the embodiment of ideas and plans. They are investments in future prosperity. We have people here who are writing a new chapter in the history of the country with their talent and hard work. Thanks to the work of our people, Belarus continues to develop and achieve new successes. Their commitment, devotion to the Motherland, the unity of the people have become our main pillar in difficult conditions. You, figuratively speaking, are engineers of progress, builders of success, you inspire for new achievements. Thanks to people like you, Belarus continues to move forward, demonstrates its strength and potential to the world, despite all the difficulties," Roman Golovchenko said.
High awards were presented to representatives of the media - BelTA news agency. "Your work is of great importance in the life of society, because it is photojournalism that gives additional context and depth to the authors' materials. Photojournalism is not only about the present, it is also about the future. Your works narrate today's events to future generation. You can tell the story of a life in one photo, which makes your work especially important and irreplaceable," the prime minister said.
The Medal of Francysk Skaryna was presented to Irina Bufetova, leading art editor of the BelTA Publishing House, and Aleksandr Khitrov, leading photo journalist of the BelTA visual information desk. “An amazingly solemn atmosphere, such moments are very rare. It is rewarding to be acknowledged for the work that you love and try to do to the best of your ability. It is nice to be noticed. This is very inspiring, motivating. It feels rejuvenating, gives strength to work even harder,” said Irina Bufetova.
“This award recognizes not only my work, but the efforts of the entire BelTA photo chronicle team. Over 30 years of work, a lot of visual content has been created, there have been many mentors. I enjoy my work. We chronicle the history of the country,” said Aleksandr Khitrov.
This summer, Belarus faced one of the strongest storms in its history, with Gomel Oblast and Mogilev Oblast being affected the most. Thousands of hectares of forest were damaged, populated areas plunged into blackout, roads were blocked. “It is no coincidence that those who took part in the disaster relief effort are present in this hall. Your dedicated work in difficult conditions, your professionalism allowed us to cope with this large-scale natural calamity in the shortest possible time. Let me express my sincere gratitude for your hard work in these difficult conditions. You are a paragon of responsibility and dedication. We appreciate the fast work of power engineers who restored the power grid, transport links, power supply in populated areas, and helped people return to their normal way of life,” the prime minister said.
Workers of the agro-industrial complex were also honored on 28 November. “Due to you, the country remains food secure and keeps exporting foodstuffs. We make our contribution to the food security of the entire planet. Your work is a huge contribution to the wellbeing of every citizen of our country,” Roman Golovchenko stressed.
“Today we are also recognizing the merits of those who with their knowledge, experience, and dedication contribute to improving the quality of life of our people. Medals “For Impeccable Service” will be awarded to a number of state civil servants. Your many years of impeccable work for the benefit of the state and society is an example of loyalty to duty and principles, high moral qualities. Your activity is not just the fulfillment of official duties, but service to the Motherland and its citizens, creation and development,” the prime minister emphasized.
The Medal of Francysk Skaryna honored the workers of education, science and culture for their significant personal contribution to the development and multiplication of the spiritual and intellectual potential and cultural heritage of the Belarusian people. “It is thanks to your activity that we preserve and multiply the spiritual values of our people, pass them on to the next generations, strengthen the national identity. Workers of education help raise a new generation of creative, motivated, educated people. Thanks to the research of scientists the boundaries of human knowledge are expanding. This contributes to the progress of our society. Thanks to cultural workers, life becomes spiritually enriched, brighter and more interesting. Thank you for your labor, talent and inspiration,” he said.
“Here are present representatives of various sectors - workers of industry, finance, transportation, members of the Belarusian Public Association of Veterans, representatives of healthcare, medicine and sports. All of you are building the future of the country with your own hands, and this is the most important thing today.
I am sure that you will continue your way to success and reach even greater heights. Each of you is the driving force of the hardworking and stable Belarus. I am confident that your knowledge and boundless energy will contribute to the achievements of our country today and tomorrow. I wish you good health and new professional achievements in serving our dear country," Roman Golovchenko concluded.
