The Ambassador of Belarus to Serbia, Sergej Malinovski, extended his congratulations to all citizens of Belgrade and the rest of the country on the 80th anniversary of liberation from Nazi occupiers, highlighting that commemorative events that celebrate the joint struggle against fascism strengthen the bonds between Serbia and Belarus.

In an interview with Novosti, he remarked that Belgrade was a “heroic station in the history of World War II, a heroic station of our nations’ joint fight against fascism.”

“Among the Red Army soldiers who, together with Yugoslav partisans, participated in the Belgrade Offensive Operation, there were Belarusians. Many of them laid down their lives on the altar of this brilliant, valuable victory. Thus, for us, this anniversary of Belgrade’s liberation holds greater significance,” Malinovski said.

He noted that on July 3 this year, the 80th anniversary of Belarus’s victory was also commemorated, and that such solemn commemorative events bring Serbia and Belarus closer together.

“Today, we jointly recall the exploits of the liberators. We convey that the strong memory of all those who sacrificed their most precious, their own lives, for freedom is vital. For the freedom of their homeland, their progeny, and they have entered into immortality,” he added.

Malinovski highlighted that during the Great Patriotic War, one in every three residents of Belarus perished.

“Our country attaches great importance to the memory of this harsh and fateful war. We value the care for preserving historical truth and do much to pass it on to future generations. To remember the sacrifices of glorious ancestors and to cherish the freedom they brought, paying with their lives,” he highlighted.

The common fight against fascism is a foundational element of the Serbian and Belarusian peoples, and the strongest pillar has preserved our traditionally friendly ties, Malinovski concluded, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the celebration of the jubilee.