Israel to advance cooperation with Vitebsk Oblast in economy, culture, tourism

Culture, tourism, and economy are the most promising avenues of advancing cooperation between Israel and Vitebsk Oblast, BelTA learned from Charge d'affaires of Israel to Belarus Olga Slov.

Olga Slov said: "It is important for us to determine contact points and spheres of cooperation with Vitebsk Oblast. Particularly now — in anticipation of the arrival of the permanent ambassador of Israel to Belarus. He has been appointed and will soon get down to work. There are many areas that can be explored: joint ventures, cultural projects, efforts to increase tourism traffic between our countries. I discussed it yesterday with the Vitebsk Oblast governor. I also visited the free economic zone Vitebsk where I heard cooperation proposals. I met with organizers of the international art festival Slavonic Bazaar in Vitebsk and saw a number of expositions in Vitebsk museums."

The diplomat stressed that certain cooperation had already been established between Vitebsk Oblast and Israel. For instance, Israeli artistes traditionally take part in the Slavonic Bazaar festival. Artists and photographers from Israel exhibit their works in Vitebsk galleries. There are examples in economy, too. "I've seen the reproductive healthcare clinic established by the Belarusian and Israeli sides. The clinic intends to expand its scope of operation. I am pleased to see cooperation develop in this manner," explained Olga Slov.

Tourism has been developing in leaps and bounds since visa requirements for travels between Belarus and Israel were changed.

The Charge d'affaires of Israel to Belarus is in Vitebsk on a visit on 5-6 December. The diplomat is expected to advance bilateral cooperation with Vitebsk Oblast and to participate in the campaign Inclusive Belarus: Leaving No One Behind in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

A number of events were organized in Vitebsk on 6 December as part of the Inclusive Belarus campaign. The Inclusive Belarus campaign has been organized by the United Nations Organization and the Belarusian government in association with governmental and non-governmental organizations, representatives of the private sector and the international community. The campaign is meant to reach global goal No. 10 (reduced inequalities) and facilitate more comprehensive discussion of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in the regions.

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