Opinions & Interviews

VETKA, 23 June (BelTA) – Interregional cooperation between bordering areas has multiple points for future growth. The opinion was expressed by Gomel Oblast Governor Vladimir Dvornik during the traditional meeting of representatives of the bordering regions of Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine in the town of Vetka, Gomel Oblast on 23 June, BelTA has learned.

Delegations from Belarus’ Gomel Oblast, Russia’s Bryansk Oblast, and Ukraine’s Chernigov Oblast took part in the meeting.

Vladimir Dvornik stressed that the advancement of interregional ties is based on economic and humanitarian dimensions as well as friendly relations between individuals.

During the forum’s opening ceremony the Gomel Oblast governor noted that the tradition when representatives of Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine gather together every year on the eve of Youth Day was nearly 50 years old. “With the passage of time and with changes of the geopolitical situation the informal youth festival acquired a diplomatic dimension. The participation of heads of state in it in various years has added weight to it,” added Vladimir Dvornik.

“We have common roots, common spiritual values and history, many pages of which are written in the sweat and blood of our people. We marked a sorrowful date yesterday. In the small Vetka District alone the Nazi invaders burnt 42 villages and over 8,500 local citizens died to defend their country,” said the governor. It is the duty of the current generations to live on as worthy inheritors of the generation of victors while preserving the unity of the Eastern Slavic nations. “We understand that together we are strong. And together we will definitely preserve peace and economic stability for our children and grandchildren,” said the head of the Gomel Oblast administration.

The concept of the meeting was “Motherland is in my heart”. The main events unfolded at more than ten sites. Even the rainy weather did not spoil the mood. Exhibitions of pictures and photos were arranged. Works of artisans, arts and crafts were put on display. A makeshift marketplace was opened. The events continued till the evening. A fashion show was followed by a song concert and a dance party for young people then.