Orel Region Governor: co-operation with Belarus based on principles of mutual respect, and each other's interests taken into account
Belarus' relations with Russia in general and with the Orel Region in particular are inextricably linked, based on historical memory – as stated by Andrei Klychkov, the Governor of the Orel Region of the Russian Federation, at today’s meeting with the President of Belarus, Aleksandr Lukashenko
Mr. Klychkov recalled that, last year, the Orel Region celebrated the 80th anniversary of liberation from Nazi invaders, “This year is an anniversary date for Belarus, and we are certainly ready to participate in the events on this occasion together. The people's avengers of the Belarusian partisan movement liberated the Orel territories as well, and we remember, appreciate and cherish this history.”
The Russian guest noted that the Orel Region has its own Khatyn: the village of Kolpachki, which was completely burned down by German occupiers on the night of February 2nd to 3rd, 1942.
“We must remember these terrible lessons of our history. While someone is rewriting history, we should follow a different path. The work that you are doing now together with the regions of Russia through co-operation agreements, cultural and humanitarian ties is our path. As Vladimir Putin said, our countries are the closest allies and strategic partners, and co-operation between them is developing on the principles of mutual respect and consideration of each other's interests. These are our key tenets, and it is in this vein that we are going to move forward,” Mr. Klychkov stressed.
