Gomel, Russia's Orel sign sister-city agreement
An agreement on establishing sister-city relations was signed by Gomel and Orel on 2 July, BelTA has learned.
The document was inked in Gomel by Gomel Mayor Vladimir Privalov and Orel Mayor Yuri Parakhin. “We will respond to today's challenges and maintain sovereignty and independence thanks to unity and the preservation of historical memory,” emphasized Vladimir Privalov.
“As part of the efforts to fulfill economic integration tasks set by our leaders, we are happy to sign an agreement with Gomel, Belarus' second biggest city with a rich history and well-developed economy. Our enterprises will be happy to supply products to the Belarusian market, including Gomel,” noted Yuri Parakhin.
The delegation from the Russian Federation came to congratulate Gomel residents on Independence Day and the 80th anniversary of the country's liberation from the Nazi invaders. They took part in a solemn rally on the Alley of Heroes. The mayor of the Russian city emphasized that Belarus bore the brunt of the Great Patriotic War.
Yuri Parakhin quoted the president of Belarus: “Russia and Belarus are guardian angels for each other.” “In the most difficult times, we would always lend a helping hand to each other. Today’s agreement is another testimony to that, as Gomel and Orel help each other push back against the sanctions imposed by the West,” he added.