News

On July 3, the Republic of Belarus celebrated its main national holiday—Independence Day. Festive events took place in all cities across the country. To support and congratulate the fraternal people on this important occasion, a delegation from Penza Oblast, led by the region's Minister of Culture and Tourism Sergei Bychkov, visited the city of Brest.
The day's events in Brest included solemn ceremonies: laying flowers at the Eternal Flame, a memorial rally, a ceremonial march by the Brest Garrison, and the adoption of the Code of Honor for civil servants.
Chairman of the Brest Regional Executive Committee Pyotr Parkhomchik held a meeting with Sergei Bychkov, Minister of Culture and Tourism of Penza Oblast, and Sergei Panasyuk, Head of the Culture Department of the Brest Regional Executive Committee.
A representative of the regional delegation conveyed a welcoming address from Penza Oblast Governor Oleg Melnichenko to the people of Belarus:
"The day of Minsk's liberation from Nazi invaders has become a symbol of the unwavering spirit, selflessness, courage, and heroism of the Belarusian people, who defended their homeland at the cost of millions of lives. Our fathers, grandfathers, and great-grandfathers fought side by side for the Great Victory: in the border troops, the Red Army, and the ranks of partisans and underground fighters. The feat of the unconquered defenders of the Brest Fortress, including Penza native Andrei Kizhevatov, is forever inscribed in our shared history. Today, the Republic of Belarus is a free, independent, and peaceful state, building its life on the principles of rule of law and good neighborliness. We take pride in the deeds of the Soviet people, cherish our cooperation, and pass on the legacy of friendship and brotherhood to new generations."
"It is a great honor for us to participate in the celebrations of the Independence Day of the Republic of Belarus. A strong friendship has developed between our regions," said Sergei Bychkov, head of the regional delegation.
The festive day concluded with a concert program featuring performers from Penza Oblast, including artists from Penzaconcert—Sergei Knyazev, Evgeniya Tarasova, soloist of the Express-Band jazz ensemble Kseniya Ovchinnikova, and Anastasia Vorobyova from the House of Officers Cultural Center.
Penza artists performed at the "Belarus -- This Is Us!" concert at the Brest Park of Culture and Leisure's variety theater, as well as at a grand celebratory concert near the walls of the legendary Brest Fortress.
Photo provided by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Penza Oblast.