July 3 is the national day of the Republic of Belarus.

The name Belarus is derived from the fact that its people’s skin is white and they enjoy wearing white clothes. Thus Belarus was once called White Russia.

Belarus commemorates July 3 as its national day as it is the day when the country was liberated from the occupation by Nazi Germany.

Today, the country is channelling big efforts into bolstering up its defence capabilities in order to defend its sovereignty and independence from the moves by hostile forces.

While building up its armed forces, the country is strengthening cooperation with Russia, Iran and other countries in the military field so as to maintain a regular combat posture to cope with the challenges and threats by hostile forces.

The people of the country regard spiritual strength and morals as the foundations of their independent state and hand down the feats of heroes.

Last January, the Belarus President said that the government would do everything to completely free the citizens from the worries about the existence of the state, affirming that Belarus would always remain as an independent state no matter what the trend in the international arena might be.

At a meeting held on May 6 to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Soviet people’s victory at the Great Patriotic War, he said that some countries are putting forward the Nazi war criminals and that Belarus would not tolerate an attempt to amend the heroic history of the Soviet people and would do all things to have the war veterans–genuine patriots and excellent sons of the country–held in respect.

Meanwhile, the country puts efforts into education in patriotism for the rising generation so that they can remember and safeguard the heroic feats and gains of the preceding generations.

It also makes positive efforts to achieve sustainable and stable economic development.

From January to April this year, the country’s GDP increased by 2.8 percent as against the same period of last year.

Its major staple crops are wheat, barley and potatoes, and animal husbandry takes an important position in its agriculture.

Its major exports are farm machines and timber. Last year the amount of foreign trade increased by 5.1 percent over the previous year. The export volume increased, but it was smaller than import volume.

It directs efforts to cooperation and unity with different countries in order to diversify its external relations.

This year alone, it established strategic partnership with Vietnam and has set up good-neighbourly relations and strengthened cooperation with different countries, including Pakistan.

The Belarus people are achieving constant development as they are confidently advancing toward their goal and ideals.