Edited by Anna Popper
To mark the Independence Day of the Republic of Belarus, observed annually on 3 July, the Embassy of the Republic of Belarus in Hungary organised a diplomatic reception at the historic St. George Residence, nestled in the medieval streets of Budapest’s Castle District.
The event, hosted by H.E. Mr. Uladzimir Ulakhovich, Ambassador of the Republic of Belarus to Hungary and his spouse, Mrs. Katsiaryna Ulakhovich, unfolded against the magnificent backdrop of Budapest’s cherished historic quarter, overlooking the Danube River. The festive occasion brought together more than forty heads of diplomatic missions and members of the diplomatic corps, alongside representatives of Hungarian state institutions, the business and public sectors, members of the Belarusian community in Hungary, as well as partners and friends of the Embassy.
The ceremony in the picturesque garden of St George Residence commenced with the national anthems of Belarus and Hungary, setting a solemn tone for the evening.
In his address to the distinguished guests, Ambassador Ulakhovich reflected on the historical importance of Belarus’ Independence Day, paying tribute to the immense sacrifices made by the Belarusian people during World War II. He said:
“Dear Excellencies, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, our dear colleagues from the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ladies and Gentlemen, Tisztelt Hölgyeim és Uraim! Дарагiя суайчыннiкi! Шаноўныя сябры! It is a great honour for me to welcome you today to this reception on the occasion of the National Holiday of the Republic of Belarus – Independence Day.
This day unites all Belarusians, all citizens of our country, in our love for the Fatherland, in our respect for our ancestors, and in our common desire to build a beautiful, successful and prosperous Belarus.
On 3 July 1944, eighty-two years ago, our capital, Minsk, was liberated from the invaders. For every Belarusian, this sacred date is a national symbol of unity and victory in the fight for freedom. This holiday reminds us of the enormous price of freedom. Our nation lost every third inhabitants during the Great Patriotic War – three million people. Therefore, independence and sovereignty are sacred treasures for every Belarusian and the guarantee of our nation’s survival.
Our tragic past has shaped the genetic code of our country. Belarusians are a deeply peace-loving people. Minsk has consistently advocated resolving all conflicts exclusively through peaceful means. Negotiations and respectful dialogue remain the only true path to security on our continent.
Building on this peaceful foundation, modern Belarus continues to demonstrate dynamic development. We are successfully advancing high-tech industries, manufacturing and agriculture, strengthening our economic sovereignty while maintaining social stability.
Unfortunately, the world is currently experiencing a period of intense information confrontation, and objective information about Belarus is sometimes greatly distorted in the media. Despite this, Belarus has proven that it remains a reliable, predictable and progressive partner on the international stage.
We highly value the dynamic relations between Belarus and Hungary in recent years. Our contacts continue to develop on the basis of mutual respect and pragmatism. Geographically and mentally, our peoples are close. We are united by our commitment to fundamental human values, the protection of national sovereignty, economic development and a shared vision of peaceful coexistence.
Minsk reaffirms its full readiness to continue and deepen this cooperation with Budapest. We remain open to new joint projects in the economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres. I am confident that our partnership will continue to strengthen for the benefit of the peoples of our two countries.
Distinguished Guests,
Belarus looks confidently towards the future. It is a country of hospitable, talented and hardworking people with an open economy. Belarus has more than 170 trade and economic partners worldwide. Products made in Belarus are widely recognised. Last year alone, Belarus exported food products worth over €10 billion to 117 countries.
Today, our country ranks among the world’s five largest dairy exporters and among the top ten meat exporters, while maintaining the highest quality standards.
Belarus is also a beautiful country – a land of 10,000 lakes, vast virgin forests, a highly developed social sector, and an advanced healthcare system. Several years ago, the French newspaper Le Monde described Belarus as “the Sleeping Beauty of Europe” (La belle au bois dormant de l’Europe).
We are open to direct communication with people and to public diplomacy. Citizens of 95 countries may visit Belarus under our visa-free travel regime.
Dear Guests,
I am extremely pleased to stand before you today and host this event on the eve of my country’s Independence Day. We are sincerely grateful to everyone who helped organise today’s reception and to those who brought a truly national flavour to our celebration: our virtuoso musicians from Paks; the remarkable St. George Residence; Champion Wine, the outstanding Vinarium and Gastro Boutique from Budapest; and ALTRAGEPKER Kft.
May our pure, bright, beautiful and peaceful Belarus continue to live and flourish. May the friendship between Belarus and Hungary grow ever stronger. Kívánok Önöknek jó egészséget és sok sikert, békét és jólétet! Cа святам, дарагiя суайчыннiкi!”
As part of the official programme, H.E. Mr. Uladzimir Ulakhovich, Ambassador of the Republic of Belarus to Hungary, invited the guests to enjoy a special musical performance, dedicated to the event. The audience warmly welcomed Gergely Nitrai, an award-winning young accordionist, laureate of several international competitions and a student of the Pro Artis Children’s Art School in the city of Paks. The talented young musician performed Toccata by the Belarusian composer Vladimir Grushevsky on the accordion, earning warm and enthusiastic applause. Recognition was also extended to his teacher, Ms. Olga Papp.
The celebration continued with a lavish reception held in the beautiful vaulted halls of the 18th-century building of St. George Residence, built on medieval foundations. The historic venue, where centuries-old architectural heritage blends harmoniously with refined modern hospitality, provided an elegant setting for the evening. Guests enjoyed an excellent selection of Belarusian culinary specialities and fine wines, while engaging in lively conversation in a friendly atmosphere.
During the reception, guests were entertained by a clarinet quartet, whose selected repertoire added a sophisticated musical dimension to the evening, and further enhanced the convivial ambience.
The gathering reflected once again the Embassy’s commitment to fostering mutual understanding and further strengthening the ties between Belarus and Hungary through diplomacy, cultural exchange, and personal connections.
Source: Embassy of the Republic of Belarus in Budapest
Photos from the Embassy of the Republic of Belarus in Budapest
