Alexander Subbotin and Boris Gryzlov discussed the holding of the XI Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia

In 2024, the Vitebsk region will host the XI Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia, which will be dedicated to scientific and technical progress, technological advancement, and sovereignty.

This was announced to journalists at a meeting with the leadership of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Belarus, Boris Gryzlov.

"The Forum of Regions held this year in Ufa set a high bar, and we would like not only to maintain it but to raise it even higher. Our proposal was to hold it in two cities - Vitebsk and Polotsk. The oldest city in the country, which is one of the centers of Slavic and Orthodox culture, is located in our region. Therefore, we proposed to hold the first day of the sessions in Polotsk. Vitebsk Airport can accommodate a large number of delegations, which will then travel to Polotsk by a branded train," said the Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, Alexander Subbotin, to the ambassador.

The upcoming Forum of Regions will focus on scientific and technological progress and sovereignty. "The motto of the forum is 'Science is the future of the Union State'. These are issues of innovation, technological interaction between regions and between our countries as a whole. Not so long ago, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko said that perhaps we need to consider having representatives from third countries at such forums. These could be regions of countries that are members of the Eurasian Economic Community or other CIS countries. The forum might be held under some new formula," Boris Gryzlov shared.

Alexander Subbotin emphasized that the forum's agenda, the number of sections, and invited guests are formed by parliamentarians, and the participation of "third" regions in the upcoming large-scale event will be discussed with their involvement.

Such forums are of great importance for the Vitebsk region. Alexander Subbotin noted that interregional cooperation with Russia is strengthening and expanding. In addition to ties with the nearest Russian regions, interaction between the Vitebsk region and the Far East is planned. Boris Gryzlov noted that the Vitebsk region was the first of the Belarusian regions to conclude agreements with the new territories of the Russian Federation, in particular, the Republic of Crimea.

The Russian Ambassador to Belarus visited the Vitebsk enterprises "Energokomplekt", "Vityaz", and the metal structures plant. The ambassador's visit to the Vitebsk region also includes a cultural component - he will visit the Ilya Repin estate-museum in Zdravnevo.

"BELTA"

Source: vitebsk-region.gov.by