The message reads, in part:
“It is symbolic that your forum is taking place in Brest, on the land that is sacred for the peoples of Russia and Belarus. Exactly 85 years ago, Brest took the brunt of the Nazi onslaught. The unparalleled feats, resilience and self-sacrifice of the Brest Fortress’ defenders, who were the first to stand in the way of the treacherous and brutal enemy, will never be forgotten.
It is important that the bonds of fraternal friendship and mutual assistance, which were forged on the battlefields of the Great Patriotic War, are helping Russian and Belarusian citizens to expand multifaceted cooperation, jointly build the Union State and uphold their legitimate interests on the international arena. Traditionally, cooperation between legislatures, as well as activities within the framework of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union of Belarus and Russia, are a substantial element of bilateral ties.
People’s deputies who enjoy great authority and prestige can, undoubtedly, accomplish a lot for preserving the memory of our shared glorious history, for raising younger generations in the spirit of humanism and patriotism. The presence of representative delegations from friendly countries at the forum confirms that a big part of the international community fully shares our values and principles, strongly opposes attempts to whitewash the atrocities committed by the Nazis and their accomplices, and is ready to combat any manifestations of Neo-Nazism.
I am confident that your joint work during this significant event will be constructive and fruitful and that it will further strengthen mutual understanding between the peoples of our countries.”