Twin cities of Belarus and Russia meet in Zhodino
Zhodino hosts the 10th meeting of Belarusian and Russian twin cities under the Twinning as Important Potential for Strengthening the Union State of Belarus and Russia and People’s Unity slogan
The event has gathered about a hundred of heads of city and district administrations, local authorities, public and youth organisations from twin cities and partners of Belarus and Russia.
Boris Batura, the Chairman of the Board of the Twin Towns Belarusian Public Organisation, Chairman of the Council of Elders at the Presidium of the Council of the Republic, read out a greeting of President Aleksandr Lukashenko, “Partnership of twin cities is an integral part of co-operation between the regions of the Republic of Belarus and the Russian Federation. The twin city movement significantly contributes to strengthening trade and economic ties between Belarusian and Russian enterprises, promotes implementation of joint business projects and exchange of experience between research centres and educational institutions, helps develop social infrastructure and create new jobs. I am convinced that successful holding of this meeting will contribute to an effective expansion of direct contacts between the authorities, businesses, scientific and creative circles, and also development of concrete solutions aimed at progressive evolution of a whole range of relations between cities and regions of our fraternal countries."
The forum opened near the monument in honour of the patriot mother Anastasia Kupriyanova. Here, the Relay of Unity athletics and motor rally started.
A pilot-cosmonaut, a Hero of the Russian Federation, Colonel Oleg Novitsky, has sent a video greeting. In his address to the countrymen, the cosmonaut noted that it’s a great pleasure for him to congratulate the forum participants on an important event: the 10th meeting of the twin cities of Belarus and Russia, “It is symbolic that representatives of the two fraternal countries’ cities have gathered in Zhodino where, exactly 60 years ago, the first prototype of the basic BelAZ dump truck was produced. In the same 1961, Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin made the first orbit of Earth. When in space, we understand the importance of friendship between people. It is good when friendly relations unite not only people, but also cities and countries. I’m convinced that twin city ties are an important condition for development of any modern city. I wish you to work successfully in finding effective ways of co-operation between our countries.”
As part of their work, the delegations from Belarus and Russia will also discuss business development, social policy, cultural and educational liaisons. Visits to Zhodino’s enterprises and organisations are planned, in addition to an excursion to the Belarusian Automobile Plant (BelAZ).
