Press releases

MOSCOW, 15 December (BelTA) - Irina Glusskaya, the head of the Samara regional public organization of Belarusians and natives of Belarus “Russian-Belarusian Brotherhood 2000” was presented with the Francysk Skaryna Medal in a ceremony in the business and cultural center of the Belarusian Embassy in Russia on 15 December, BelTA learned from the press service of the embassy.

Irina Glusskaya has been honored in recognition of her significant contribution to the popularization of the Belarusian national arts, strengthening of Russia n-Belarusian ties in trade, economy, humanitarian matters, culture and science. On behalf of the Belarusian head of state the medal was presented by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to Russia Igor Petrishenko. Being the head of the Belarusian public organization in Samara throughout the 17 years of its existence, Irina Glusskaya has made a great contribution to the preservation and popularization of the Belarusian cultural heritage and the strengthening of the brotherly friendship between the peoples of the two countries, Ambassador Igor Petrishenko noted.

The diplomat noted the success of the project “Artistic partnership of the national organization with music schools, art schools and educational institutions in Samara Oblast”. Close cooperation has been established between the Russian-Belarusian Brotehrhood 2000 and five schools and the non-formal education center Tvorchestvo of Samara. They hold the events dedicated to the public holidays of Belarus, Belarusian folk festivals, and folklore shows. Teams of these educational institutions represent the Belarusian culture during the events in the region. Since 2004 Samara has hosted, with the active participation of Irina Glusskaya, Belarusian festivals - art competitions “Edinstvo” (Unity) and Belarus-My Song for children’s amateur groups and soloists of Samara Oblast.

The Ambassador welcomed Irina Glusskaya’s contribution to the development of contacts between Belarus and Samara Oblast. With her active assistance, the agreement on cooperation was signed with Vitebsk City Hall, and the agreement on partnership was inked with Zavodsky District of Minsk within the framework of the project “Administrative region of Belarus – an organization of compatriots abroad”.

“It is a great honor for me to receive the state award. It is also a great responsibility. It is not only the recognition of my personal activities but also the seamless work of our close-knit team of the Samara oblast organization “Russian-Belarusian Brotherhood 2000,” Irina Glusskaya said.