President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko has congratulated the residents of Vitebsk on the 1050th anniversary of the city, BelTA informs.
The head of state emphasized that Vitebsk is one of the oldest cities in Belarus and is rightfully considered its cultural capital.
"Vitebsk gave the world a whole constellation of outstanding personalities, including Euphrosyne Polotskaya, Marc Chagall, Gennady Tsitovich, Alexei Dudarev and many others. Every year hundreds of artists and tens of thousands of tourists rush here to become participants and guests of the bright and original arts festival "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk". Here the heroic history of the Belarusian people is sacredly honored, the memory of the Red Army fighters, partisans and underground fighters who defeated fascism during the Great Patriotic War is cherished," the message of greetings reads.
Alexander Lukashenko noted that today the region is actively developing, striving for even higher results in petrochemistry, metallurgy, construction, light and food industry, agriculture, production of pharmaceuticals and other areas.
"By joint efforts, the social infrastructure for citizens is improving, because the main asset of Vitebsk Region is its residents. Hospitable people with a broad soul and a generous heart, who by their labor create prosperity in their native land. I am convinced that in the future you will do your best to make the regional center prosper and grow better to the delight of residents and guests of Belarus.
