On April 2, Vitebsk /Olga Bogacheva - BELTA/. The development of regional ties serves to strengthen the integration of Belarus and Russia in all areas. This opinion was expressed today at a ceremonial meeting dedicated to the Day of Unity of Belarus and Russia by Vladimir Shloma, Deputy Chairman of the Vitebsk City Executive Committee, as reported by a BELTA correspondent. According to Vladimir Shloma, the present and future of Vitebsk and the Vitebsk region are inconceivable without Russian participation. Close friendly ties have been established between the regional center and Smolensk, Pskov, Samara, Stupino, the Savelovsky district of Moscow, Gelendzhik, and a number of other regions of Russia. Joint plans for trade, economic, and humanitarian-cultural cooperation have been approved by agreement with the Moscow district of St. Petersburg and the Smolensk region. The annual expanded fairs for the sale of goods from Vitebsk producers in the regions of Russia, and participation in joint educational and cultural projects have become traditional. "Partnership has been achieved in all spheres. It is a significant part of our modern life, enriches it, makes it more interesting and diverse. At the same time, the wide range of interaction is evidence that our countries have common goals: the well-being of people, the protection of their rights, and the provision of interests for our citizens," emphasized Vladimir Shloma, noting the significance of the role of the Union State in this. "Today, the Union State is the foundation of the Customs Union and the Single Economic Space. The positive dynamics of cooperation have been strengthened by the adoption of the concept of social development of the Union State for 2011-2015," said the Deputy Chairman of the City Executive Committee. Enterprises and organizations of the Vitebsk region actively participate in the implementation of the Union State programs for the arrangement of the external border of the Union State (work has been carried out on the construction and reconstruction of eight international road checkpoints), and the creation of a Unified Automated Information System of the Customs Committee of the Union State. "The Day of Unity of the Peoples of Belarus and Russia is significant for the residents of our countries. It is a sincere, heartfelt holiday for friends who have common interests and value the common heritage of Slavic culture. The holiday marks a great goal that neighboring peoples set for themselves: to build a dignified life together for current and future generations," concluded Vladimir Shloma.