The Russian Science and Culture Center, which is a branch of the Belarusian representative office of the Federal Agency for the Commonwealth of Independent States, Compatriots Living Abroad, and International Humanitarian Cooperation (Rossotrudnichestvo), has opened in the Belarusian city of Grodno, BelTA has learned.

Deputy Chairman of the Grodno Oblast Executive Committee Vitaly Nevera said: “The treaty on integrating the two states was signed on 2 April 1996. We’ve travelled quite a long road since then. It has not always been easy and decisions have not always been simple. One of the most powerful and illustrative integration associations evolved over this period. The Union State of Belarus and Russia is based on equality, sovereignty, on simple human values, on historical truth and preserving it where multiethnicity is treasured and where there is no place for Nazism. We have gained a great deal thanks to the fact that we exist.” He pointed out that today Grodno residents will get one more place where they will have an opportunity to enrich their spirit.

Minister-Counsellor of the Embassy of Russia in Belarus Vladimir Vanke said: “The Russian Science and Culture Center or, as we are accustomed to calling it, the Russian House opened in Grodno on the Day of Unity of Peoples of Belarus and Russia. This popular name very precisely reflects the mission of the institution, the atmosphere of coziness, inspiration, and creativity that our colleagues from Rossotrudnichestvo diligently create at their sites all over the world. Russian science and culture centers have been opened in over 60 countries so far. In Belarus these centers have been operating for years in Minsk, Brest, and Gomel. Now Grodno has its own Russian House. In the Russian House you are always welcome and everyone will be able to find an occupation to their liking. We know that the interest in the new institution is strong, including among our compatriots. Because the initiative to open the Russian House in Grodno did not come from above. It came from the ground, as they say. Members of the association Russian Society had contacted Rossotrudnichestvo with this request. It is remarkable that only 1.5 years has passed since the decision was made and up to today’s solemn event.” 

Everyone, who is interested in Russia, wants to know more about its many centuries of history, about its unique culture, educational opportunities and tourism potential, are welcome to use the local multifunctional cultural and humanitarian space. The Grodno-based Russian Science and Culture Center will host workshops, concerts, movie screenings, educational events, exhibitions of Russian and Belarusian artists. The equipment and physical infrastructure allow implementing the boldest ideas and endeavors.

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