OREANDA-NEWS. August 9, 2010. It is impossible to drive a wedge between the Belarusians and the Russians, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko told tourists from Moscow, who stayed at the recreation center Drivyaty in the national park Braslav Lakes.

“Some people in Russia would like you and us to quarrel, but I tell you it won’t happen. Whatever movies they can make, whatever they write, nothing will succeed,” said Alexander Lukashenko.

The President remarked that Russian companies could participate in creating tourism infrastructure at Braslav lakes so that more Russians could come for recreation there.

Marina Korosteleva, Director General of the cultural center Positive and President of the international club Lady Leader, who was enjoying recreation at Drivyaty, thanked Alexander Lukashenko for Belarus’ attitude towards preserving the memory of the Great Patriotic War. She mentioned that there are many well-tended monuments and memorials in Belarus. In turn, Alexander Lukashenko said that a new building for the Great Patriotic War History Museum will be built in Minsk in order to preserve the memory.

At the recreation center Drivyaty the head of state got familiar with the facility’s infrastructure and operation. Vitebsk Oblast Governor Alexander Kosinets said there are plans to vigorously develop recreation opportunities in the Braslav lake district and the oblast as a whole. In the oblast there are almost 300 farm tourism estates, with the number to reach 500 soon. Apart from government funding private investments into tourism are vigorously sought after. According to Alexander Lukashenko, if the problem of bad roads is resolved, additional opportunities will be created, including opportunities for attracting investors. A road network will be set up to link Braslav lakes.

The national park Braslav Lakes includes 74 lakes fit for swimming and diving, rowing, sailing and fishing. Apart from the picturesque landscape there are multiple churches, cathedrals and chapels. The development of tourism and recreation in the national park definitely looks promising.