VITEBSK, 16 May (BelTA) – The Russian city of Volgodonsk has twinned with Orsha District. The regions will develop mutual trade and economic cooperation and relations in other areas, BelTA learned from the Orsha District Executive Committee.
The agreement on twinning relations between Volgoonsk and Orsha District was signed during the meeting of the working group on cooperation between Rostov Oblast and Belarus in Minsk on 10 May. “Before that, the Volgodonsk authorities addressed the Belarusian embassy in Russia and voiced its interest in cooperation with Orsha District. The document includes the plans for the implementation of joint projects in the area of trade and economic relations, education, culture, sport and tourism, experience sharing in the utilities sector and environment protection. This first step will followed by mutual visits of delegations, business meetings and the maximum use of cooperation for the production of competitive products. The document will envisage the implementation of joint investment projects, exhibitions and trading fairs,” representatives of the Orsha District Executive Committee said.
The distance of about 1,500m between Orsha and Volgodonsk has not become an obstacle for cooperation, as the Belarusian city is an important transport (rail, first of all) hub and is located close to the border with Russia. The same factors explain why half of 24 agreements on mutual cooperation and twinning relations are concluded with Russian cities and regions. An increased attention to Orsha District from the Belarusian authorities is stirring up the interest among partners. “This year Orsha is marking the 950th anniversary. We will invite representatives of all our twin cities, including Volgodonsk and China's Shishou, to attend the celebrations,” the district executive committee said.
