Representatives from Slovakia have once again visited Belarus on their own initiative to honor the memory of the heroes and victims of the Second World War. For the Slovak guests, this mission carries deep personal and historical meaning. They are willing to overcome any travel challenges to fulfill it.
Their efforts are in line with the example set by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. Despite pressure from some Western politicians, Fico attended the Victory Day parade in Moscow on May 9.
On the same day, a Slovak delegation from the town of Spisska Nova Ves participated in the 80th anniversary celebrations of the Great Victory in Minsk.
A symbolic ceremony was also held to honor fallen Soviet soldiers. The delegation presented a capsule filled with soil from Slovakia’s largest Soviet military burial site in Michalovce, where more than 17,800 soldiers are buried. The capsule was handed over to the Memorial Church of All Saints in Minsk, where many similar capsules from World War II burial grounds are kept in its crypt.
Belarus continues to show deep respect for the memory of every war hero. Work is still ongoing to uncover all the facts about those tragic years, as each detail is seen as important. Inspired by Belarus’s dedication, the Slovak delegation felt it was their duty to contribute to this shared remembrance.
According to delegation members, Slovakia values Belarus’s official policy of preserving World War II memory. They expressed strong respect for Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko, who they say has helped keep Belarus committed to peace. They also noted that Minsk, particularly the Palace of Independence, played a key role in hosting the Normandy Four talks aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine.
“Slovaks and Belarusians are fraternal Slavic peoples. We must work together, no matter the political situation. Your President is a friend to us,” said Mr. Rusiniak, head of the Slovak delegation.
As a gesture of respect and friendship, the delegation presented a unique gift—a handmade portrait of President Lukashenko. The artwork, created by a Slovak artist using embroidery on canvas, was inspired by a similar portrait previously made of Slovak Prime Minister Fico. After learning about that piece, Mr. Rusiniak commissioned the artist to make a portrait of the Belarusian President, hoping to deliver it personally.
That opportunity came when the Slovak delegation was invited to the Palace of Independence. There, they met with Natalya Eismont, the President’s Press Secretary. The guests presented the gift and toured the palace, which they described as a powerful symbol of Belarusian independence.
“It is a great honor for us to be here. These memories will stay with us forever. We wish for lasting peace between our nations. Slovaks and Belarusians must live in friendship,” Mr. Rusiniak said on behalf of the delegation.
Ms. Eismont remarked that handmade gifts carry special meaning, as they preserve the warmth and soul of their creators. She confirmed the portrait would be placed in the museum of presidential gifts at the Palace of Independence.
Both sides agreed that the visit and the exchange of gifts marked another step toward strengthening Belarusian-Slovak relations and building a lasting friendship between the two countries.
