VITEBSK, 13 July (BelTA) – The participants of the 19th World Congress of Russian Press arrived in Vitebsk to attend the official opening of the 26th International Festival of Arts Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk on 13 July, BelTA has learned.
The journalists were invited to take part in two projects, “Vitebsk Welcomes Guests” and “Polotsk, the Cradle of Belarusian Statehood.” The congress participants met with local authorities in Vitebsk and Polotsk. In Vitebsk, they were also greeted by Belarusian Deputy Information Minister Alexander Karlyukevich.
The official noted that the festival is an important event for Vitebsk and the country in general. “We are glad that your forum has coincided with the festival, and you have this opportunity to attend the opening gala of Slavianski Bazaar. The organizers of the festival report new records every year. This year's edition will be no exception. I can already say that thanks to you, this year the festival is attended by a record high number of journalists. At the opening of the press center in the morning, we noted that more than 500 journalists from 11 countries are covering the festival. Your delegation has added another 200 members of the media from 52 countries,” Alexander Karlyukevich said.
Vitebsk City Hall Chairman Viktor Nikolaikin briefed the visitors about the city's history and present-day achievements, about the festival, and answered their questions. Later the guests will go see numerous cultural attractions: the Dormition Cathedral, the Summer Amphitheater, Marc Chagall Art Center, and others.
In Polotsk, the guests will visit St. Sophia Cathedral, Jesuit College, St Euphrosyne Monastery, the Museum of the Belarusian book printing.
After that, the two groups of journalists will get together in Vitebsk to jointly attend the opening gala of the Slavianski Bazaar festival.
The 19th World Congress of Russian Press “Partnership for the future: priorities of modern civilization” is running in Belarus through 15 July. Representatives of mass media from more than 50 countries are taking part in the event. The 19th World Congress of Russian Press has been organized by the World Association of Russian Press, the Belarusian Information Ministry, and the World Russian Press Foundation.
The International Festival of Arts Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk will be running through 19 July.
