The governor of Volgograd region held a meeting with the Belarusian media

Andrei Bocharov, welcoming the Belarusian journalists to Volgograd, emphasised the unity of Belarusians, Russians and representatives of other nationalities, manifested during the war. 

"Residents of our entire country stood up in its defence. They defended their lands and rebuilt destroyed cities, including Stalingrad. Belarusians were among them," the governor noted, adding that the meeting is taking place in the hall where the names of those who made a significant contribution to the history of the USSR and the Volgograd region are carved. 

This meeting has gained special significance in the context of the 80th anniversary of Belarus' liberation from the German fascist invaders and the 25th anniversary of the creation of the Union State, as well as against the background of the upcoming anniversaries of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War.

"I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who organised this meeting, in particular to the State Secretary of the Union State Dmitry Fedorovich Mezentsev. The destinies of the people of our countries are intertwined, and we must pass on the truth about the war, tell about the essence of fascism," Andrei Bocharov emphasised.

The Governor of the Volgograd Region is confident that the implementation of youth projects is one of the key areas of social policy and international cooperation. 

"Co-operation with the regions of Belarus in this area can yield excellent results. Volgograd youth is active, and within the framework of the Union State we have excellent opportunities to strengthen friendship and exchange delegations. The Commonwealth Sport Games, which we are holding for the fifth time, is a proof of that," he noted.

In addition, the region is creating infrastructure for the development of youth policy. "In the near future we will open a youth centre and create a technology park. Our young people are actively involved in creative projects, such as the improvement of the embankment and park. Why not implement joint initiatives with Belarusian young people? There is a future in joint projects, including economic growth," Andrei Bocharov added.

"The Volgograd region is actively involved in the development of strategic co-operation between Belarus and Russia, especially in the economic sphere. About 500 enterprises of the region have stable co-operation with Belarusian companies, six of which were founded with the participation of Belarusian capital," said Andrei Bocharov.

He also emphasised that the main areas of cooperation were discussed during the visit of the Belarusian delegation headed by Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko. "The heads of enterprises understand the importance of active work and complementarity in solving common tasks," the governor added.

In conclusion, he noted that the solution of logistical issues, including the opening of a direct air service between Minsk and Volgograd, will contribute to the strengthening of economic and socio-cultural ties. "There is a need to create such flights," Bocharov concluded.

Reference: A delegation of Belarusian journalists is visiting the Volgograd region of the Russian Federation within the framework of the press tour organised by the Standing Committee of the Union State. The programme of the visit includes acquaintance with the monuments related to the history of the Great Patriotic War and visits to enterprises with economic ties with Belarusian partners.