A New Year party was held at Palace of Republic in Minsk.

It brought together thousands of children - exemplary pupils, winners of contests and competitions, children from boarding schools and orphanages - from all over Belarus. President Alexander Lukashenko along with his youngest son Nikolai traditionally took part in the festivities. Despite the young age of the guests - from 8 to 14 years - the President addressed them as adults and held had an impromptu teachers' council. Alexander Lukashenko congratulated the children on the coming holidays, wishing them good health, peace, happiness and the fulfillment of their dreams. Each child attending the party got a sweet gift.