Dear women,

I wholeheartedly congratulate you on Mother’s Day.

There is nothing brighter and stronger in this world than mother’s love. It is this love and endless patience that help you cultivate the best human qualities in children – diligence, kindness, loyalty to the Homeland.

Today’s holiday is a tribute to all mothers of Belarus, a testament to the recognition of your great role in consolidating family bonds, educating young citizens, preserving spiritual and cultural traditions of our people.

We are proud of our remarkable countrywomen who are not only wonderful wives and mothers, but also outstanding professionals in a variety of areas, doing their utmost to ensure wellbeing and prosperity of Belarus.

The social policy pursued in our country helps empower our women so that they can fulfil their mission, which is to bring up and educate healthy and happy children. Declared one after another, the Year of Mother, Year of Child and Year of Health are mutually complementary and help implement consistently national programmes to protect motherhood and childhood, enhance the status and prestige of an exemplary family, improve the demographic situation in the republic.

The Belarusian government will continue to create an enabling environment for successful activity of women in all spheres of life. Dear mothers, may your loved ones and relatives give you attention, care and tenderness every day.

Good health, cosy home, happiness and love to you.

Alexander Lukashenko

14 October 2008