As noted by the head of the region, Alexander Subbotin, it is a great honour for the Vitebsk region to host such a large-scale event, and it must be held at a high level. It is also important that thanks to the forum, the region's infrastructure will be improved, and all improvements will remain for the residents.
The Chairman of the Regional Council of Deputies, Dmitry Demidov, said that a delegation of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, which visited Belarus and inspected the sites of the upcoming forum, highly appreciated the proposed concept of the event and its holding in three cities simultaneously.
The forum will take place on June 26 and 27. Presidents Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko are expected to participate. A large number of guests are anticipated, including heads of regions of Belarus and Russia. The programme includes exhibitions, a plenary session, and the work of nine sections.
– Many venues in Vitebsk, Polotsk, and Novopolotsk will be involved. All of them will be thematic. In particular, an exhibition of equipment from industrial enterprises of Belarus and Russia will be held on Freedom Square in the regional centre. Around the "Vitebsk" Concert Hall, the regions of the two countries will present their potential in folk achievements. Near the Summer Amphitheatre, an exhibition project will be dedicated to innovative development – a topic that will be discussed at the forum. A thematic area dedicated to the cuisines of Belarus and Russia will attract attention. Artisans will set up stalls on Zamkovaya and Suvorova streets. Various spectacular events will take place. An engaging discussion will be held at the meetings of the thematic sections. For example, at OJSC "Vitebskiye Kovry" (Vitebsk Carpets), the discussion will focus on innovative development in the light industry. At the "Polimir" plant of OJSC "Naftan", representatives of Russian and Belarusian businesses will discuss innovations in the industrial complex. Other topics within the framework of cooperation in various fields will also be raised, – explained the Deputy Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee, Anzhelika Nikitina.
Anzhelika Nikitina also noted that new agreements are expected to be signed at the forum. To date, the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee has concluded 28 cooperation agreements with Russian regions. Five applications have already been submitted from the Russian Federation for the upcoming forum, including from the Kemerovo and Sverdlovsk regions, and Karelia.
The progress of construction work, landscaping, readiness of hotels and catering facilities to receive a large number of guests, and the organisation of the cultural programme were discussed in detail at the meeting.