Klychkov: Vast Scope for Collaboration Between Belarusian and Oryol Region Farmers

He noted that in recent years, the Oryol Region has emerged as a leader in the Central Federal District of Russia in terms of agricultural output per capita. According to Klychkov, the success of the region's agro-industrial complex stems from several factors: modern agricultural technologies; significantly improved farm equipment—including the use of Belarusian machinery; systematic collaboration between agribusiness, the scientific community, and government authorities; and digital transformation.

"We have agreements in place with the Republic of Belarus covering trade and economics, science and technology, culture, and social and humanitarian affairs. Our major achievement is that we have secured real growth in mutual trade turnover," Andrey Klychkov emphasized.

The Governor highlighted cooperation in the fields of crop variety testing, seed production, and livestock farming. "For us, the Belarusian experience is not merely theory but practical, real-world application that is already delivering results. Belarus has a strong tradition of plant breeding, while we possess a robust production base. Together, we can achieve far more than we could individually—across all sectors," he said.

Andrey Klychkov also touched upon cultural ties. Twenty-six joint events have already taken place this year, with another nine projects scheduled before the end of December. "Both Oryol and Belarusian cultural figures approach everything with heart and creativity. There is certainly nothing perfunctory about this collaboration; we energize one another with positivity, support, and inspiration," the Governor noted. He noted that in March, the Oryol Music College hosted the second "Melodies of the Slavic Soul" international competition, featuring 57 participants from Belarus representing the Minsk, Gomel, Vitebsk, and Brest regions. In September, the Oryol-based ensemble "Veselaya Sloboda" performed at the "Sozhsky Karagod" festival in Gomel. Students from the Myasoyedov Oryol Art College participated in the "Master" competition. In June, Minsk-based soloist Svetlana Kudina performed at the closing concert of the Oryol Philharmonic’s season.

"Oryol-based groups have made a tradition of bringing home awards from the 'M@rt.kontakt' youth theater forum in Mogilev. This year, the Turgenev Theater presented "Eugene Onegin" and received a diploma 'For a Youth Interpretation of a Classic,' while the 'Svobodnoye Prostranstvo' (Free Space) Theater won a special diploma 'For Bold Experimentation' for its production "Anna. Dreams". In September, the Turgenev Theater presented "Eugene Onegin" again—this time at the 'Belaya Vezha' festival in Brest," said Andrey Klychkov.

He also highlighted an extensive joint program involving museums and libraries. The Oryol Museum of Fine Arts hosted an exhibition by Minsk graphic artist Vladimir Khin, and on June 22, a joint exhibition project with the "Brest Hero-Fortress" memorial complex—titled "I Am the Fortress, I Am Fighting..." — was unveiled. In November, the College of Culture and Arts will host a conference on photography and video art, as well as the "Master" All-Russian competition for choreographers, to which groups from Minsk, Vitebsk, and Gomel have been invited. Before the end of the year, the Oryol Museum of Fine Arts will host a memorial evening dedicated to People's Artist of Belarus Vladimir Sharangovich and launch a virtual exhibition by People's Master of Belarus Valery Kovalchuk, timed to coincide with the Year of the Belarusian Woman.

"Our theaters, museums, libraries, colleges, and folk art centers continue to exist within a shared cultural space. This is vital, as culture is what brings us closest to the people. Our mutual interest and affection—what could be more important? This is the foundation of the Union State: people, the joy of creative collaboration, friendly support, and sincere, appreciative feedback," the Governor of the Oryol Region concluded.