Letter of Appreciation to the «State Archive of the Gomel Region» Institution from the Minister of Culture, National Policy, and Archival Affairs of the Republic of Mordovia

At the interregional scientific-practical conference «Archival Documents and Current Issues in Modern Historical Science», held on September 4, 2026, S.N.Baulina, the Minister of Culture, National Policy, and Archival Affairs of the Republic of Mordovia, ceremoniously read out a letter of appreciation addressed to the staff of the State Archive of the Gomel Region.

The letter expresses gratitude and appreciation for the collaboration and cooperation in preserving and promoting historical and documentary heritage, for active participation in joint initiatives regarding the patriotic and spiritual-moral upbringing of youth, and for assistance in implementing grant projects.

Yuri Shestopalov, Director of the State Archive of the Gomel Region, has repeatedly emphasized in his remarks that strengthening international ties between the archives of Belarus and Russia serves as a testament to the unbreakable friendship, shared development goals, mutual understanding, and the interweaving of cultures and historical values shared by the two fraternal nations. This is particularly important in the current complex international climate, amidst attempts to falsify historical facts.

A concrete example of this cooperation is the Memorandum signed in 2024 between the «State Archive of the Gomel Region» institution (Gomel, Republic of Belarus) and the «Central State Archive of the Republic of Mordovia» state-owned archival institution (Saransk, Republic of Mordovia).

Over two years of collaboration, the archives have held joint events via videoconference dedicated to significant dates in the shared history of Belarus and Russia; these events involved regional archives of the Gomel Region, as well as historians, museum specialists, representatives of public organizations, and students. Events included the interregional scientific-practical conference «Archival Documents and Current Issues in Modern Historical Science» and roundtables titled «Preserving the Memory of the War Together», «The Great War – The Great Victory», and «Historical Memory of the Great Patriotic War as the Spiritual and Moral Foundation for the Patriotic Education of Youth»—all dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War (1941–1945) — as well as a roundtable marking the professional holiday, International Archives Day.

Archivists from the Gomel region and Mordovia discussed issues and practical challenges in the field of archival work, the preservation of documentary historical and cultural heritage, and the role of archives in the patriotic education of youth.

The close exchange of information—covering historical and archival research, the popularization of archival documents through grant projects, personal collections, and interesting biographical facts about historical figures from their respective regions—aims to foster joint projects, preserve historical memory, and strengthen professional ties.

The State Archive of the Gomel Region will continue to actively promote the development and strengthening of international connections, with future plans including cooperation with archives in the Pskov and Bryansk regions of the Russian Federation.

A letter of appreciation from S.N.Baulina, Minister of Culture, National Policy, and Archival Affairs of the Republic of Mordovia.