GOMEL, 6 September (BelTA) – It is necessary to explain to the youth the historical significance of the Day of People's Unity, Head of the Belarus President Administration Igor Sergeyenko said as he met with the staff of the Spartak confectionery factory in Gomel on 6 September, BelTA has learned.
Igor Sergeyenko noted that he was glad to visit the enterprise and meet with its team. He studied the confectionery production on the ground.
The keynote of the meeting was the history of the Day of People's Unity. Igor Sergeyenko also spoke briefly about the domestic political and economic situation, and the developments along Belarus' border.
The staff was shown archival documentary videos about the reunification of the western and eastern parts of Belarus in 1939. Black-and-white footage with voice-over commentary recounted the reunification timeline. The Polish oppression could not bring the Belarusian people to their knees. A partisan and underground movement emerged and was active at that time.
Igor Sergeyenko emphasized that the idea to re-institute this holiday was put forward at the Belarusian People's Congress and was supported by the head of state. “The events of 2020 bolstered the argument for strengthening our unity. And this whole thing was a bottom-up collective process. We will celebrate this date for the third time in our contemporary history. The program of celebrations includes various activities, meetings, dialogue platforms and events. We need to tell young people about the significance of that period, to explain why this day has the same meaning as Independence Day and other important public holidays,” he said.
According to Igor Sergeyenko, the unity of people is a driving force. “The country is moving forward despite the sanctions. Today we develop our industry and agriculture while remaining a welfare state. Since the beginning of the year, pensions have been raised three times,” he said.
Igor Sergeyenko called for a candid dialogue and answered questions from the audience. “There are no unimportant topics for us, all issues are vital,” he stressed. Thus, the topics that were raised included a monument to national unity, economic development, situation on the border and innovations in the manufacturing industry.
