Day of the Union State at "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk": strengthen mutual ties
Strategic Partnership
On December 8, 1999, the Treaty on the Creation of the Union State was signed in Moscow. This year marks 20 years of integration ties. This is a period when it is possible to summarize the work done and outline plans for the future. As the State Secretary of the Union State, Grigory Rapota, said, the development strategy for the near future is already clear – the formation of a coordinated industrial policy, unified transport and energy spaces. This is precisely what underlies what can be called a union state. It is also necessary to improve the legislative framework, strengthen the scientific and technical component, and solve a number of other issues.
During his visit to the Vitebsk region, Grigory Rapota visited the multimodal complex "Bremeno-Orsha". He was introduced to the universal logistics platform, told about the progress of its construction and development prospects. By the way, it is precisely its location that is due to the fact that Orsha is the largest freight railway hub in our country. "Bremeno-Orsha" is located in close proximity to the borders of the Russian Federation and at the intersection of trans-European transport corridors, an international railway line passes almost through the complex, and the Orsha International Airport is located on its territory. As the head of the MPLK, Vladimir Kostenovich, said, the logistics sector will consist of three terminals. In July, the construction of the second phase of the road terminal will begin – a warehouse with an area of 10,200 sq. m for 14,000 pallets. In the second half of the year, the construction of an air terminal is planned – three warehouses with a total area of about 11,000 sq. m. Among other things, a trading platform will be located here. The next stage is the construction of a railway terminal in 2020-21.
In June of this year, the "Bremno-Orsha" SEZ began its operations. Currently, a departmental customs clearance point, phytosanitary and veterinary services, a bank branch, an insurance agent, and customs broker offices are functioning here. This allows resident companies to undergo all necessary procedures and receive services on-site to support their production processes and logistics activities.
— The "Bremno-Orsha" MPLK is important for the strategic development of the Union State, — noted Grigory Rapota. — For example, in terms of goods traceability and labeling as they move through the EAEU and the Union State.
Creative Symbiosis
By tradition, Grigory Rapota took part in the XXVIII International Festival of Arts "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk".
— The forum in Vitebsk has been around for almost three decades. This indicates only one thing: it is truly needed by people, — noted Grigory Alekseevich.
By the way, since 2003, the Union State has been participating in the organization and holding of the festival. In 2019, approximately 25 million Russian rubles were allocated, and a total of about 500 million Russian rubles have been directed during this period.
The Day of the Union State in the festival city of Vitebsk was opened by a flower-laying ceremony at the Eternal Flame of the memorial complex dedicated to Soviet soldiers-liberators, veterans, and partisans. Afterwards, at the Art Museum, guests were presented with the "Rostov Finift" exhibition – miniature enamel painting, considered one of the oldest phenomena in the art of the Eastern Slavs, and an exposition dedicated to Alexander Nevsky.
On this day, a masterpiece of jewelry art – a replica of the Great Imperial Crown – arrived in Vitebsk for the first time, staying there for only one day. Today, the original is the main exhibit of the Diamond Fund of the Moscow Kremlin Museums and never leaves the treasury. For the 250th anniversary of this masterpiece in 2012, the jewelry group "Smolensk Diamonds" created its replica. It is made of white gold, studded with 11,426 diamonds and large pearls. In the center of the hoop, the crown is crowned with a large diamond weighing 10.11 carats, and instead of the original spinel, a rubellite is used. The weight of the diadem is over 2 kg. This work has no analogues in the world.
Traditionally, Grigory Rapota visited a media session at the Zdravnevo museum-estate. This year it is dedicated to the 175th anniversary of Ilya Repin's birth.
The main theme of the concert "The Union State Invites...", which concluded the Friendship Day program, was the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the creative activity of the ensemble "Pesniary".
— Sincerity, soulfulness, and high skill reign here, — noted Nikolai Ovsyanko, Deputy Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation, who visited the forum for the first time. — The festival has proven that it rightfully holds a key position for both Slavic and other states. I think interest in it will grow. It is cultural ties that are destined to become an unbreakable bridge between Russia and Belarus. Vitebsk is an amazing city, one wants to return to it.