Vitebsk Oblast gearing up for Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia

Vitebsk Oblast will host the 11th edition of the Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia. The Vitebsk Oblast Executive Committee has discussed preparations for the event, the progress to build and renovate facilities, as well as accommodation for guests, BelTA has learned.

The Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia will be held on 27-28 June and will be co-hosted by three cities of the region - Vitebsk, Polotsk and Novopolotsk. The Vitebsk Oblast Executive Committee and local authorities oversee preparations for the event. The renovation of hotels and cultural facilities, repairs of streets and roads are in full swing, including on weekends, repair teams are reinforced with employees of other organizations.

The Vitebsk Concert Hall will be one of key venues. Most of construction works has been completed, the interior decoration remains. After the facility is commissioned, a concert is to be held there to “test” the new site and equipment. The Vitebsk Cultural Center suggested arranging an event for construction workers involved in renovating the concert hall.

Renovation works continue at the Summer Amphitheater. The stage has already been repaired; it has recently hosted music groups that performed for graduates of the city’s schools. The sports and cultural site needs some final touches. It will accommodate a showcase event for the achievements of the economies of Belarusian and Russian regions, as well as an exposition of innovative developments of Vitebsk Oblast.

The repair and remodelling of other facilities in Vitebsk and Polotsk are on the home stretch. One of three new fountains on Victory Square will soon be tested. The repair of roads and residential buildings, the improvement of courtyards with new playgrounds have reached the final stage. The airport near Vitebsk will also undergo some improvements.

In Polotsk, the former House of Officers will become one of key venues of the Forum of Regions. Renovation works have almost been completed in the ancient town. Minor improvements remain, and there will be no delays, the oblast executive committee assured. As to Novopolotsk, the number of facilities where the forum will be held is small; adjacent infrastructure is being built near them.

Ten high-capacity buses have been allocated for the transfer of guests and participants of the forum. Approximately the same number of buses is needed for guests of honor.

All hotels in Vitebsk and the nearest communities have already been booked for the forum. Guests will be offered accommodation in picturesque corners of the region.

“Transit areas, entry gates to cities, accommodation, food - everything must be prepared for the forum,” Vitebsk Oblast Governor Aleksandr Subbotin said. “According to preliminary estimates, this edition of the forum will have a bigger attendance than the previous forums. We must show our hospitality and coordinate with the Council of the Republic; we can’t let anyone down, we need to do our best,” the governor remarked.