Delegations from Russia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and various Belarusian regions extended warm City Day wishes to Gomel residents.

Prior to the reception, the guests laid wreaths and flowers at the mass grave of Soviet soldiers and underground resistance fighters in Labor Square, observing a moment of silence to honor those killed during the Great Patriotic War. Gomel Mayor Ruslan Parkhamovich noted that City Day is a celebration of friendship and partnership that brings countries together, boosting joint development and mutually beneficial cooperation. «For centuries, the regional center has been an arena for intercultural dialogue, fostering trade, economic, and humanitarian ties. Today, the city continues to expand its development potential year after year, building reliable international partnerships and serving as a hub for progressive ideas and initiatives,» the city leader stressed.

Gomel stands as one of the major industrial hubs in Belarus today, the city leader stated. «The city’s industrial sector has a high potential for innovation. Last year, Gomel led all regional centers in terms of the share of innovative products in its total industrial output,» he emphasized.

He also noted that Gomel is broadening its economic and trade partnerships with various countries, alongside active humanitarian cooperation. Higher education is another area driving academic ties. «Over 150 cooperation agreements are currently active between our universities and foreign institutions, including universities in Moscow, Bryansk, Rostov-on-Don, Oryol, and Surgut, as well as partners in Georgia and Azerbaijan,» Ruslan Parkhamovich added.

He highlighted the Sozhski Karahod [Sozh Round Dance] festival as a prime example of cultural cooperation, noting that this year’s edition gathered 56 performance groups, including 20 from sister and partner cities.

«Gomel plays a vibrant role in the sister city movement. Currently, we have 42 active international agreements spanning cities across 13 nations worldwide. Among them are 26 partnerships with the Russian Federation and five with the People’s Republic of China. Gomel has been twinned with Novi Sad in Serbia for over 13 years, and we established sister-city ties with Azerbaijan’s Ganja two years ago. This year marks the decade-long milestone of our friendship and cooperation pact with Kutaisi. Bryansk was the very first Russian city to partner with Gomel in 1992, followed by Surgut in 2005 and Rostov-on-Don in 2009. Even decades later, Gomel’s sister cities stand shoulder to shoulder with us to celebrate City Day like true brothers,» the mayor emphasized.

He expressed confidence in future productive cooperation and thanked the sister and partner cities for sharing the festive mood with the people of Gomel.

Kutaisi Mayor David Eremeishvili pointed out: «Our cities have enjoyed a strong friendship for 10 years. Day in and day out, our cities strive and develop to ensure that peace and well-being reign in our countries.»

First Deputy Head of the Rostov-on-Don Administration Taras Dyadkov voiced confidence that Gomel will continue to offer comfortable living conditions and foster a cozy atmosphere and a sense of belonging to a shared history for every resident. «I want to highlight our warm and productive partnership. Over these 17 years, a significant milestone, we have rolled out numerous projects in social affairs, culture, art, education, and the economy. I am certain that the future holds boundless opportunities for us,» he noted.

The meeting featured congratulatory remarks from representatives of all visiting delegations. The guests then took part in the City Day festivities.