President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko bestowed state awards upon the distinguished people of the country on 21 May.

“You receive honorary titles, orders and medals in recognition of your outstanding services before the Motherland and people. This is a stimulus for more successes in the future. I am convinced that the main goal for anyone of us is well-being and prosperity of our country, happiness of our loved ones and confidence in the future,” the head of state said.

According to the President, the state has been steadily evolving, with economic, social, technological and production sectors reaching new levels in their development. “Together we are able to overcome any difficulties,” Alexander Lukashenko said.

State awards were received by the personnel of the Minsk Automobile Plant and BelavtoMAZ. “This is one of the CIS largest engineering companies. Its product is well-known outside Belarus, and demand for it will continue increasing. Numbers speak for themselves. BelavtoMAZ foreign trade leapt almost 200% in 2011,” the head of state said.

In his words, the main ingredient of success is rational labor management, zealous attitude to resources, implementation of innovation proposals. “Public recognition that you have won should be a guide for our manufacturers,” the President said.

State awards were also conferred on representatives of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus. “By improving the legislative framework of our state, you actively assist with solving a range of social problems. These are issue of labor discipline, employment, healthcare, maternal and child protection, support of talented youth. You pay attention to education, science, integration and international cooperation,” Alexander Lukashenko noted.

State decorations were presented to the best representatives of the judiciary who by their responsible work ensure the principles of legality, qualified judicial defense. “You have made a big contribution to improving the legal literacy of the population. You ensure that legal acts comply with the main law of the country - the Constitution,” said the head of state.

Alexander Lukashenko presented state awards to a large group of military men: “You ensure high preparedness to defend our homeland, its security and territorial integrity.”

Athletes and coaches were also honored at the ceremony. Alexander Lukashenko stressed that in 2012 the special award of the President of Belarus “Belarusian Sports Olymp” is awarded to outstanding athlete Darya Domracheva. She was also awarded the Order of Fatherland Third Class. “By her amazing victories at world championships Darya has glorified Belarus,” the head of state stressed.

In his words, Belarus is rich in talent in different areas. Among the awardees there were a lot of well-known cultural figures, teachers, and social workers.

“Each of you does a lot for our Belarus. You have proven that hard work, creativity and perseverance will certainly lead to success,” Alexander Lukashenko added.