Putin welcomes Russia-Belarus sister-city forum

Vladimir Putin sent a greeting to participants in the 14th Sister Cities Forum and the third Russia-Belarus Youth Meeting opening in Bobruisk. The message was published on 9 October.

The Russian president called sister-city links an important part of cooperation between the two countries. He said they connected dozens of cities and municipalities and also highlighted cooperation between youth organisations.

Putin linked people-to-people diplomacy to direct informal contacts. He identified joint projects in culture, the arts and education as areas in which these connections could be used.

He said friendship and mutual assistance forged during wartime remained a foundation for relations between Moscow and Minsk and the development of the Union State. Putin wished participants constructive discussions and practical implementation of proposed initiatives for the benefit of both countries.