«Thank you for taking the time, despite such a great distance, to come to us and discuss not only our interfaith dialogue but also interstate relations. Mr. Graham, you know a little about Belarus. You have been here before. You have also visited Russia on several occasions. So you are aware of the direction in which the situation is developing. I am confident you know that in Belarus, 25 religious denominations live peacefully and interact. To be frank, we are proud of this interfaith peace in Belarus,» emphasized the Belarusian leader. «Belarus has 850 Protestant communities, 20 missions, and 5 educational institutions. So your faith is very widely represented in our country.»

Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that his personal impressions of interacting with people of this faith have been positive. «The Soviet Union was officially an atheist country, but unofficially, everyone prayed. In those days, when I was a party secretary working in agriculture, half of the people in the collective farm where I worked were Protestants. I was eager to understand what distinguished them from Orthodox Christians and Catholics, so I would visit them in their homes, these Protestants of ours. I can tell you, they are exceptionally kind and incredibly hardworking people,» he added.

The head of state added that he had also witnessed this firsthand after becoming president. He noted that many Belarusian Protestants live in the south of the country, particularly in Brest Oblast. «They are incredibly hardworking and kindhearted people, which is why I have such a positive impression of them.»

«The head of the farm where I was party secretary was a man of your faith. I still keep in touch with him. His son works somewhere in the United States,» the president said. «So you understand that I have a deep understanding of and appreciation for your faith. From those days onward, I have always held our Protestant compatriots in very high esteem.»

Aleksandr Lukashenko also thanked Franklin Graham for the support and assistance he has provided to Belarusians: «We greatly appreciate it. It is not about the amount. I think that after our meeting, you will pay more attention to Belarus. But you are doing great work. Thank you for this help and support.»

The president also noted that despite sanctions, two-thirds of all humanitarian aid received by Belarus last year came from the United States. «But the Americans are doing great work. Your contribution is part of that humanitarian aid from the US. Thank you,» the president said.

The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association was founded in 1950. Franklin Graham’s visit to Belarus is taking place from 14 to 18 May, and includes his participation in a number of events.