Lukashenko: Building presence in Antarctica seemed like a pipe dream, but Belarus did it

The very idea of Belarus' presence in Antarctica, just like space exploration, seemed like a pipe dream, but the country rose up to the challenge, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he met with scientists and participants of Belarusian Antarctic expeditions on 17 October, BelTA has learned.

“As you know, we have conquered these impossible scientific heights,” said the head of state.

In 2006, Aleksandr Lukashenko supported Belarus' accession to the Antarctic Treaty in a bid to preserve the scientific potential and expertise inherited from the Soviet Union and to develop the country's own expertise based on the existing knowledge and infrastructure.

“There are many young people in the hall. This means that we did everything right back then. Young people choose careers in science, a new generation of professionals is growing, and domestic scientific schools are developing. Literally in a week, the 17th Belarusian Antarctic expedition will start, which suggests that this project is a success. This research is as strategically important as the construction of the Belarusian nuclear power plant, the launch of space satellites, or the space flight.”

According to Aleksandr Lukashenko, Belarus has rightfully joined the elite club of states doing research in Antarctica. The high level of development of domestic science and technology is broadly acknowledged.

“Today, the Belarusian flag flutters on this farthest icy continent. Only 30 countries are present in this region. Belarus is one of them. Moreover, we have our own research station Mount Vechernyaya with all the necessary infrastructure, modern scientific laboratories, etc. It is important that the most advanced technological solutions have been implemented there. And some of these solutions are Belarusian,” the head of state remarked.

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