The Federation Council Speaker delivered remarks at a plenary session of the 12th Forum of the Russian and Belarusian Regions in Nizhny Novgorod.
President Vladimir Putin and President Alexander Lukashenko sent video addresses to the forum participants.
“I would like to thank all of you for the real and tangible contribution you are making to further strengthening the Russian-Belarusian strategic partnership, our Union State, and the neighbourly and genuinely friendly and fraternal ties uniting Russians and Belarusians. Importantly, almost all constituent entities of the Russian Federation and Belarusian regions are involved in implementing numerous mutually beneficial joint projects,” the message by the President of the Russian Federation reads, in part.
Vladimir Putin underscored the fact that as Belarus’s main economic partner, Russia now accounts for about 60 percent of its foreign trade. Last year, trade reached a new all-time high at over $50 billion. In terms of accumulated capital investment in the Belarusian economy, Russia firmly holds the first place with about $5 billion. “I’m aware that about 100 commercial contracts totalling 20 billion roubles will be signed following this meeting. Once implemented, they will undoubtedly create even closer integration between our two countries.”
This year’s forum focuses on supporting youth, and President Putin noted the importance of finding ways to unlock young people’s talents and their professional, intellectual, and creative potential, to help them rise to their full potential, make a meaningful contribution to the country, and gain reliable moral and spiritual guidance. “These are traditional family values, care for parents, love for children, patriotism, and service to the Fatherland. This year, Russia and Belarus commemorated the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory. It is crucial for the younger generations to know the truth about the immortal feat of their forefathers,” Vladimir Putin said. According to him, the Train of Memory youth initiative that is currently underway is a good example of a joint project with active regional involvement.
In his video address, Alexander Lukashenko noted that today’s youth are living in a rapidly changing world, “a world in which an open hybrid war is being waged against our peoples, our history, traditional values, and ideals. That is why we must protect the younger generation from false narratives that are forced upon them. We must clearly demonstrate what we had to endure on the path to sovereignty and safe and constructive life in our respective countries,” the President of Belarus said. He highlighted the importance of preserving and passing on genuine knowledge about the past to young people, and shaping their civic consciousness, a sense of responsibility, and pride in their history. “Now more than ever, it is critical to speak openly and persistently about our heroes and the historical truth,” Alexander Lukashenko stressed.
The President of Belarus also highlighted the Train of Memory project initiated by the parliamentarians from the two countries, which helps young people learn more about their history and ensures continuity between generations. “Such projects should be expanded and scaled up. After all, our strength, truth, and path to building a shared future lie in unity,” the President of Belarus said in closing.
As noted by Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matvienko, the addresses by the two leaders once again confirmed the fact that interregional cooperation remains high on the agenda of the heads of state. “For us, this is not only critical and valuable, but also places additional responsibility on us.”
“The Union State can objectively be called one of the most successful and durable integration alliances. It is based not only on shared interests, but also on deep trust, equality, and unity of our peoples’ history and values,” Valentina Matvienko emphasised.
She stated that Russia and Belarus were advancing integration as a team. “In just a few years, we have successfully completed 28 large-scale Union programmes. Major projects in nuclear energy, fundamental research, and space exploration are underway. A treaty on forming a unified electricity market has been signed. Starting this year, customers in Russia and Belarus can use mobile communications and the internet in both countries at domestic rates. More than 20 Russian regions are now connected by direct flights with the cities in Belarus. Records are being set in trade and investment. It is fundamentally important that in today’s turbulent and unstable world we continue to expand ties not only in the economy, humanitarian sphere, and high-tech sector, but in national security as well.”
Valentina Matvienko also drew particular attention to the fact that the two countries were striving to reduce dependence on imports in socially important areas, including the production of baby food. “This is the goal, in particular, of the Plan for Developing Standards for Baby Food which was signed on the sidelines of the Forum.”
According to the Federation Council Speaker, strong regional ties play a decisive role in advancing the Union State. A shared goal, including within the framework of the Forum of Russian and Belarusian Regions, is to do everything possible to increase the number of direct, mutually beneficial, and long-term contacts, Valentina Matvienko emphasised.
The head of the upper chamber of the Russian parliament noted the expanding geography of the forum venues. “A serious competition unfolds among the Russian regions for the right to host the forum. Our regions know well that this always provides a valuable boost for networking that can lead to new projects and solutions.” As an example, she mentioned the Legislative Assembly of the Nizhny Novgorod Region, which became the first regional legislative body to sign agreements with the councils of deputies of all regions of the Republic of Belarus.
In her remarks, Valentina Matvienko addressed the issue of preserving historical memory and the truth about the Great Patriotic War which is a sacred chapter for both Russians and Belarusians. “All of those 1,418 days and nights, we stood together. We shared the sorrow of losses, fought outside Moscow and Stalingrad, Minsk and Leningrad, and pushed the enemy out from our native land, as well as liberated European countries from Nazism and together achieved victory. And today, just like 80 years ago, we continue to stand shoulder to shoulder in defending the truth about the events of those years.”
“All you need to do to know what modern historical amnesia can lead to is to look at our neighbours. Once again, we are convinced that in the face of overwhelming external challenges, patriotism and respect for our own history must serve as a solid foundation of the Union State,” the Federation Council Speaker said.
In her view, it is especially crucial now to speak about the events of the war years, to protect our shared truth, and to raise young people who are worthy of the memory of their heroic ancestors. “It is important that the younger generation in Russia and Belarus understands this well.”
“We are implementing a number of outstanding joint initiatives aimed at strengthening youth ties, such as the Train of Memory cultural and educational project that was launched under the auspices of the Federation Council and the Council of the Republic in 2022,” Valentina Matvienko said, adding that this year, the project includes schoolchildren who are descendants of the victors and representatives of all 15 former Soviet republics. “The strong interest in the project shows the demand for historical and patriotic themes among today’s students, which I consider our shared achievement.”
The Federation Council Speaker also noted that the Union State project portfolio has been expanded with an expedition titled “The Unconquered.” “I’m aware there is a proposal to make this project an annual event. I suggest supporting this initiative.”
According to Valentina Matvienko, a meeting between the chairs of the Russian and Belarusian parliaments and young parliamentarians and representatives of youth organisations from both countries was one of the key events of the 12th Forum of the Regions. “Its outcome showed us that the new generation of public servants and civil society leaders many of whom are the same age as the Union State is ready for serious professional work for the benefit of Russia and Belarus.” A joint meeting was also held between the leadership of the Chamber of Young Legislators under the Federation Council and the Youth Council under the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus, where future areas of cooperation were agreed upon. “In particular, we discussed the substance of the future Strategy for the Development of Youth Policy in the Union State, which could bring together the best youth support practices from our two countries,” Valentina Matvienko said.
She called on representatives of the Russian and Belarusian regions to be more energetic in developing youth cooperation at the interregional level. “There is enormous potential here that should not be underestimated,” the Federation Council Speaker stressed.
According to Speaker of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus Natalya Kochanova, it is symbolic that this year’s Forum dedicated to youth is being held in Nizhny Novgorod, a city of labour valour.
“In a relatively short historical period, the Union State has made truly significant headway in a dignified manner. Together, we are overcoming challenges, responding to challenges, and acting in unison on international platforms. A question arises as to who will carry the movement forward? The youth will. This forum is dedicated to them — young, ambitious, and courageous people. They are our strategic resource and engine of development. We place our hopes for a peaceful and prosperous future on them, a future in which the Union State will undoubtedly play a prominent role on the geopolitical map of the world,” Natalya Kochanova said.
She expressed her conviction that the main intergenerational theme of preserving historical memory and truth will continue to be the foundation of the fraternal and allied relations between Russia and Belarus.
According to Natalya Kochanova, the young people will build the new security architecture, defend freedom, and uphold the right to cultural and economic sovereignty. “The state’s objective is to provide youth with a launching pad in life, basic guarantees, and confidence in the future, as well as to set guidelines based on facts, not cooked up falsehoods,” the head of the Belarusian upper chamber said.
Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Dmitry Chernyshenko thanked the parliaments of both countries for their major contribution to forming a unified approach to youth policy. He spoke about the implementation of the joint roadmap for youth initiatives. “It includes over 60 different initiatives across 11 areas. The first major event was the gathering of student teams from the Union State in Perm. It brought together over 100 student team members, representatives of relevant government bodies, business leaders, and experts.” According to Dmitry Chernyshenko, joint cultural, educational, and tourism projects involving school and university students are opening up new opportunities.
Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus Anatoly Sivak emphasised that today’s youth are energetic, proactive, well-educated, and ambitious people. “However, this alone is not enough to be effective in industry, science, education, or public administration, or any other field, for that matter. Every professional must first and foremost be a good citizen and a patriot. Only then can they become successful, well-rounded, and harmonious individuals. This is impossible without fostering general and political culture, respect for the law, patriotism, and knowledge and reverence for the country’s history and heritage,” he said.
Governor of the Nizhny Novgorod Region Gleb Nikitin focused on preserving the memory of the Great Patriotic War and engaging youth. “In the Nizhny Novgorod Region, engaging with young people is our top priority. Our main goal is to develop an integrated interagency ecosystem for the youth policy. This means engaging different target groups, fostering a shared understanding of national goals and traditional moral values, and involving youth in the programmes of the Youth and Children national project,” he said.
He noted that in 2023, Nizhny Novgorod was named the first Youth Capital of Russia. “We have held over 70 regional and federal events. In addition, we are working hard to expand youth policy infrastructure and to create new youth centres. Launching a special trip to Minsk and Brest under the Travel Lessons project was a landmark event of this year. In this anniversary year marking the 80th anniversary of Victory, about 600 schoolchildren and 60 teachers from Nizhny Novgorod took part in the trip.”
Gleb Nikitin also highlighted joint military and memorial efforts, including annual visits by members of the Arzamas youth club Rassvet to the Mogilev Region and collaborative search expeditions with the Vikkru Club, during which the remains of over 220 soldiers were reburied and the names of 35 Great Patriotic War heroes were identified. He also noted the participation of cadet corps from Russia and Belarus in parades in Nizhny Novgorod and Minsk, and the educational programme School of Search Team Leaders.
State Secretary of the Union State Sergei Glazyev emphasised that youth policy in the Union State receives special attention. “We are carrying out numerous initiatives in education, science, culture, healthcare, patriotic upbringing, physical fitness, and sports. This year, 40 such events will be held which is twice as many as last year.”
Sergei Glazyev addressed the importance of developing an information environment for youth. He proposed creating a media platform titled “Creating the Future Together,” where young people could discuss and implement their ideas and projects. “We need a modern, networked information landscape in which regional media are actively engaged,” he said.
Chair of the Presidium of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus Vladimir Karanik spoke about modern approaches to preserving historical memory and traditional values among youth within the Union State.
Governor of the Smolensk Region Vasily Anokhin spoke about joint youth projects carried out in cooperation with the Belarusian regions.
Member of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus and First Secretary of the Central Committee of the public association Belarusian Republican Youth Union Alexander Lukyanov touched upon the topic of patriotic education within the work of Belarusian civil society organisations.
Member of the Chamber of Young Legislators under the Federation Council and deputy of the Bogorodsky urban district of the Moscow Region Yekaterina Shcherbakova spoke about joint efforts between the Chamber and the Youth Council under the Council of the Republic of Belarus.
Chair of the Minsk Regional Executive Committee Alexei Kushnarenko delivered a report titled “Preserving the Past — Creating the Future.”
Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Federal Structure, Regional Policy, Local Government, and Northern Affairs Andrei Shevchenko summed up the results of the panel sessions held during the 12th Forum of the Russian and Belarusian Regions.
Summing up the forum outcomes, Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matvienko noted that its participants once again successfully raised the bar both in terms of organisation and the substance of the events. “We have discussed topics that are of key importance for the development of the Union State, held meaningful discussions, and explored new formats. On the sidelines of the forum, promising contracts and cooperation agreements have been signed between regions, enterprises, and municipalities.”
She also highlighted the fact that the forum was held in a highly patriotic atmosphere. “It showed that the youth of Russia and Belarus are the people of the future. They understand well that living and growing together is the destiny of our nations and a major advantage in today’s world that we must preserve and strengthen,” she said in closing.
During the plenary session, a number of bilateral documents were signed, including an agreement between the Government of the Nizhny Novgorod Region and the Gomel Regional Executive Committee on cooperation in trade, science and technology, culture, humanities, and social policy; an agreement between the Nizhny Novgorod Government and the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus on scientific and technical cooperation; an agreement between the Government of the Oryol Region and the Minsk Regional Executive Committee on cooperation in trade, science, culture, and humanitarian affairs; an agreement between the Government of the Leningrad Region and the Mogilev Regional Executive Committee on trade, scientific, technical, and cultural cooperation; an action plan for implementing the above agreement between the Leningrad Region and the Mogilev Region for 2025–2027; and an agreement on cooperation and interaction between the Moscow City Duma and the Brest Regional Council of Deputies.
The 12th Forum of Russian and Belarusian Regions took place in Nizhny Novgorod on 26–27 June. It was organised by the Federation Council of the Russian Federation and the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus. The forum was attended by representatives from 79 Russian regions and all Belarusian regions, with over 800 participants in total.