VITEBSK, 10 July (BelTA) – The importance and prestige of the Slavonic Bazaar in Vitebsk festival is increasing, deputy of the Russian State Duma and the Union State Parliamentary Assembly Anatoly Lokot told a press conference dedicated to the opening of the festival on 10 July. Anatoly Lokot underlined that the Union State cannot ignore such a significant event and takes part in it every year. This participation involves financial support: RUB25 million is allocated for this festival from the Union State budget. In his words, the festival is important from the political point of view, too: it is an efficient element of public diplomacy as it gives nations an opportunity to reach an agreement where politicians fail. “It is impossible to overestimate the political role of the festival,” the deputy said. Anatoly Lokot pointed out that this time the festival is held in the year of the 65th anniversary of Belarus’ liberation from the Nazi invaders. “This event is important for all the peoples of the former Soviet Union and the festival brings it into focus,” he said. “The Union State will keep participating in the Slavonic Bazaar in Vitebsk festival,” Anatoly Lokot added. First Deputy Culture Minister Vladimir Rylatko said that the format of the Day of Union State held at the festival changed a bit, “on 11 July a large delegation of the Union State Permanent Committee and Parliamentary Assembly will come to Vitebsk. A series of events dedicated to the Union State is to be held within the next two days. The final day of the festival will also be dedicated to the Union State. Prizes of the Permanent Committee and Parliamentary Assembly will be presented during the final concert.

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