MINSK, 14 October (BelTA) - Twin cities make a significant contribution to building up strategic partnership within the framework of the Union State, development of business and human contacts, reads a message of greetings from Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko to the participants of the 11th meeting of twin cities of Belarus and Russia in Pskov. The message was read out by Minsk Oblast Vice Governor, Deputy Chairman of the Belarusian public organization "Twin Cities" Ivan Markevich, BelTA has learned.
"Twin cities help implement joint projects, outline new priorities, and develop programs with an aim to expand economic ties, to promote integration and improve the well-being of people," the message says.
"Today's meeting is taking place at a time of an extremely tense international situation, growing instability in the world and certain regions. In this situation, it is more important than ever to preserve and strengthen the bonds of friendship, develop cooperation in all areas, and jointly ensure security in our land," the message reads.
The Belarusian president wished every success to the participants of the meeting, good luck in all their undertakings, new achievements in the name of prosperity of the Belarusian and Russian peoples.
The meeting in Pskov has brought together representatives of about 60 cities of Belarus and Russia. The plenary session and the panel discussions will focus on ways of advancing bilateral cooperation, including in the field of economy, social affairs, culture and education.
