The Rechitsa Zonal State Archives presents documents on the Union of Belarus and Russia

30 years ago, on April 2, 1996, a significant event in the history of our country took place: the presidents of Belarus and Russia, Alexander Lukashenko and Boris Yeltsin, signed the Treaty on the Establishment of the Community of Belarus and Russia, aimed at close integration and cooperation between the two fraternal states. Subsequently, April 2 became an annual celebration as Unity Day of the Peoples of Belarus and Russia.

Exactly one year later, on April 2, 1997, the leaders signed a new Treaty – the Treaty on the Union of Belarus and Russia. On the same day, Resolution No.199 of the Rechitsa City Executive Committee was published, along with an appendix containing information from the Chairman of the City Executive Committee, Nikolai Zarezako, on the results of the first anniversary of the Community of Belarus and Russia (F.342. Op.3. D.236. L.28-35). In this document, Nikolai Nikolaevich noted the dire situation Belarus, and in particular the city of Rechitsa and the Rechitsa District, found itself in after the collapse of the USSR. Economic ties were severed, and industrial enterprises were forced to their knees.

However, thanks to the measures taken by the leaders of the two countries during the first year of Belarusian-Russian integration, they were able to significantly overcome these crises and establish mutually beneficial cooperation. The head of Rechitsa expressed confidence that the Union of Belarus and Russia would bring new horizons for life and creativity to our republic, guarantees of security, the restoration of family and personal ties, equal rights for citizens of both countries in various public matters, and the revival of economic, social, cultural, and scientific ties between Belarus and Russia.

1-8. ZGARech. F.342. Op.3. D.236. L.28-35