At the Kościuszko Forum in Gdańsk, Lech Wałęsa received a Belarusian award, and Ales Bialiatski — a Polish one

Among the invited guests are Belarusian democratic politicians in exile, Nobel Peace Prize laureates Ales Bialiatski and Lech Wałęsa, as well as Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Radosław Sikorski. The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated regarding the forum:

"We organize the Kościuszko Forum, convinced that culture is a platform on which solidarity between peoples is built and gives a voice to those who demand civil rights. Moreover, it is a practical tool for building trust and long-term relations between Belarusian political and social actors and their partners from Poland, Ukraine, Lithuania, and other European countries."

Thanks to dialogue in culture, democratic Belarus becomes a participant in the common European space of cooperation, not an empty space or an object of modern politics, — states the forum organizer, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Poland.

"This makes Europe more resilient to authoritarianism, strengthens European security, and represents an investment in a common future based on mutual trust and responsibility," believes the Polish MFA.

The forum is attended by the head of Polish diplomacy Radosław Sikorski, former President of Poland Lech Wałęsa, as well as politicians from the European Union and Ukraine.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya addressed the forum via video link. She stated that Belarusians and Poles fought together for freedom, welcomed released political prisoners, including Ales Bialiatski and Andrzej Poczobut, and emphasized that the struggle continues for all political prisoners and repressed individuals in Belarus.

Павялічыць

On behalf of the United Transitional Cabinet, Pavel Latushka presented the Cross of Good Neighborhood to former Polish President Lech Wałęsa. His son Bogdan received the award at the ceremony.

In his speech, Bialiatski noted the principle of solidarity as the foundation of his life, as well as the value of joint struggle against totalitarianism and imperialism. He stated:

"Solidarity is especially honorable for me. Solidarity in defending fundamental human rights, in defending prisoners of conscience and the right of a people to an independent path. When solidarity transcends national borders, it cannot be suppressed."

Bialiatski also emphasized that the Belarusian people have not given up and that Belarus will surely become free.

The forum also honored Ales Bialiatski's wife, Natallia Pinchuk, for her activism in support of democratic Belarus.

The first international Kościuszko Forum took place in Gdańsk on February 3-4, 2025, and was dedicated to a strategic vision for Belarus's return to the European family.

Also, an open meeting with Ales Bialiatski will take place at the European Solidarity Centre on June 3.

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