BREST, 16 June (BelTA) - The Belarus-Russia Union State international patriotic forum “Great Heritage – Common Future” is planned to become a traditional event, First Deputy Chairman of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union State, Speaker of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus Igor Sergeyenko said during a session of the Union State Parliamentary Assembly held in Brest on 16 June, BelTA has learned.
“The Union State international forum demonstrated how traditional universal human values are shared and supported by many international partners. Their number is growing: we clearly observed this in Volgograd. We have much to exchange and discuss,” the speaker emphasized. It was proposed to make the forum a traditional event. The next forum is proposed to take place in Belarus in 2026 and be dedicated to the 85th anniversary of the beginning of the Great Patriotic War.
According to Igor Sergeyenko, the session held in Brest in the 80th anniversary year of the Great Victory is considered a logical continuation of the Volgograd forum. “The heroic defense of Brest Fortress, which became the starting point on the way to Victory, clearly showed the strength of spirit and heroism of the Soviet soldiers, the tragedy and greatness of the feat,” he said, adding that victory was achieved through tremendous effort. “Therefore, it is the duty of each of us to demonstrate not only in words but also in actions that we are the successors of generations of victors. I am confident that the work of the Parliamentary Assembly Commission on Historical Memory Protection will aim to strengthen intergenerational ties, prevent social stratification, and protect spiritual values. The unique path of our countries [Belarus and Russia] lies in adhering to truth and law, rather than double standards or contrived rules. The hostility observed from Western nations stems from their failure to weaken Belarus and Russia, as well as their inability to accept today's realities. Together we have demonstrated our ability to coordinate actions and resist external pressure,” Igor Sergeyenko stressed.
Concrete measures to strengthen Belarus-Russia cooperation include the signing of the Treaty on Security Guarantees and the approval of the Union State Security Concept by the heads of state. A coordinated foreign policy program for 2024-2026 and the shared vision of the Eurasian Charter of Diversity and Multipolarity in the 21st century have also been adopted.
Trade and economic cooperation remains a top priority for Belarus and Russia. “We see a strong momentum in trade between Belarus and Russia: it has increased significantly over the past year. Several innovative projects are being implemented, including the development of a promising multi-purpose aircraft with involvement of Brest Oblast. No less important is the work to make heavy-duty machinery more environmentally friendly: we plan to produce a BelAZ 220-tonne mining dump truck powered by gas by the end of 2025. It is a significant step toward more environmentally friendly and efficient production. Other important Union State projects in the coming years may also include a high-speed railway between Brest and Moscow, reconstruction of the Minsk-Moscow highway, expansion of subsidies for transportation,” Igor Sergeyenko emphasized.
He also pointed out that the deepening of scientific and industrial cooperation deserves special support. He considers the implementation of educational youth patriotic projects promising. “Yesterday we visited the national center for patriotic education of youth [based in Brest Fortress]. It has organized over 400 events in a short period, including around 100 Belarus-Russia patriotic initiatives. We will be able to consider the participation of parliamentarians in this project,” the speaker said.
He also pointed out that the deepening of scientific and industrial cooperation deserves special support. He considers the implementation of educational youth patriotic projects promising. “Yesterday we visited the national center for patriotic education of youth [based in Brest Fortress]. It has organized over 400 events in a short period, including around 100 Belarus-Russia patriotic initiatives. We will be able to consider the participation of parliamentarians in this project,” the speaker said.
Photos by Violetta Yuzhakova
