Ambassador of Ukraine to Belarus during a visit to Vitebsk: regions need to more actively develop cooperation
The head of the diplomatic mission regretted that, compared to other regions, Vitebsk region is on the periphery of Belarusian-Ukrainian relations. This was confirmed by the first forum of the two countries' regions held last year in Gomel, where no agreements were signed by representatives of the Vitebsk region.
Vladimir Penin also expressed dissatisfaction with the slow development of business ties. Although last year there was a significant increase in trade turnover and exports to Ukraine, it was mainly due to supplies of petroleum products, liquefied gases, and bitumen mixtures – 85% of total exports. We mainly buy soybeans, oil cakes, hides, corn, vegetables, and medicines. There are, of course, some developments. Orsha Flax Mill has opened trade houses in Odessa and Rovno.
Igor Kizim also noted that the steps to the Holy Assumption Cathedral in Vitebsk are made of Zhytomyr stone. And in the Zhytomyr region, a tombstone of a native of Rossonsky district – one of the founders of new Belarusian literature, Jan Barszczewski – has been found with a high degree of probability. found
The meeting at the regional executive committee discussed twin-city relations. These will also be expanded. In particular, Vitebsk district and Chuguev of Kharkiv region are connected by the name of Ilya Repin, who was born in Ukraine, and had a dacha near Vitebsk, where he spent several summer seasons and created many masterpieces.
Now Vitebsk district and Chuguev of Kharkiv region are ready to become twin cities. Vitebsk, which does not yet have a partner city in Ukraine, may follow this example.
Business activity is not very high. 27 organizations with Ukrainian capital participation are registered in the region. Vladimir Penin emphasized that Vitebsk region is open to Ukrainian investors. Joint projects can be implemented both in the regional center and in Orsha, Polotsk, Novopolotsk. He sees cooperation in the agro-industrial sector as promising. And there are such examples, in particular, in Beshenkovichi district.
The Ambassador invited representatives of Vitebsk region to take part in the II Forum of Regions of Belarus and Ukraine, which will be held in October in Zhytomyr. As Igor Kizim emphasized, regional cooperation is coming to the forefront also due to the decentralization process underway in Ukraine.
In turn, the Deputy Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee noted that he awaits Ukrainian businessmen and potential investors at the international economic forum "Innovations. Investments. Prospects", which will be held in Vitebsk on May 16-17.
During his visit to Vitebsk, Igor Kizim took part in the opening of the exhibition "Ukraine in World War II" at the Regional Museum of Local Lore.
The exposition, organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Museum of History of Ukraine, was previously presented in Brest and Minsk.
45 stands display photographs and documents telling about the exploits of Ukrainians during the war and the losses suffered by the country. Ukraine lost more than 10 million of its sons and daughters, of whom 5.5 million were civilians.
– This year, Ukraine and Belarus will celebrate a common memorable date – the 75th anniversary of liberation from the Nazi invaders. The Victory came at a great cost to our peoples. We must not forget our common history and are ready to present similar exhibition projects in Ukrainian cities, telling about Belarusians who fought against the enemy, – said Igor Kizim.
