Kochanova on economic and social importance of Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia: this event is unique
The economic aspect of the Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia is essential, but its social focus is no less important – as stated by Natalya Kochanova, the Chairperson of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus, at today’s meeting of the organising committee for the preparation and holding of the 11th Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia
Actually, preparations for the 11th Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia have officially started today, and Ms. Kochanova stressed, “This is a great platform where contracts and agreements are signed, where good relations between our regions are strengthened. This year’s agenda is more relevant than ever: we must hold our Forum of Regions at the highest level in the Year of Quality. It has established itself as a unique event with the direct participation of the presidents of our countries.”
The Chairperson of the Council of the Republic added, “More than 100 agreements worth 110bn Russian Roubles were signed at the 10th Forum of Regions in Ufa. In general, over the years of its holding, about 600 agreements and contracts worth 570bn Russian Roubles (at current prices) have been signed, therefore the economic aspect of this forum is of particular importance for us. However, its social focus is no less significant: contracts are signed between the twin cities, governors are directly involved and sign agreements on the creation of joint ventures and production facilities, the parties actively liaise in the humanitarian sphere. The Forum of Regions enables us to get to know the capabilities and potential of the regions of the Russian Federation better, just as our colleagues from Russia get to know the potential, history, and culture of Belarus.”
Ms. Kochanova emphasised, “This forum should be organised seriously, it should be interesting and stick into the memory. Its events need to reveal the history of our country, which is why we want to show Polotsk to our guests. This city is a Belarusian Mecca, the history of our state began there.”
As noted by the politician, 2024 is a special year for Belarus, “We are holding an important political event: in exactly one month, there will be Single Voting Day. We are celebrating the 80th anniversary of the liberation of our country from the Nazi invaders this year, and 2024 is also the Year of Quality. Many important events are planned, including the formation of the Belarusian People’s Congress and its holding. Therefore, I am ready to repeat that we need to do everything to unveil the cultural and historical potential of Belarus.”
In turn, Mikhail Rusy, the Chairman of the Standing Commission of the Council of the Republic on Regional Policy and Local Self-Government, explained that the forum’s dates will be determined in the near future. Traditionally, it takes place over two days.
“On the first day, we traditionally propose to hold breakout sessions and events through the chambers of commerce and industry, the State Control Committee and meetings of the Youth Parliament. On the second day, a very important meeting is planned between the Chairperson of the Federation Council and the Chairperson of the Council of the Republic with the heads of state authorities of the Russian Federation and the regions of the Republic of Belarus, after which a plenary session will be held. Additionally, exhibition events will be organised at nine venues, and the city of Vitebsk will turn into a large city of craftsmen, an exhibition of achievements of the national economy and art. There will also be nine sections of the Forum of Regions,” Mr. Rusy informed.
The 11th Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia will be held this summer in the cities of Vitebsk, Polotsk and Novopolotsk. Active preparations for the most important event are now underway in all three cities.
