The message reads, in part:
“For decades, this large-scale and truly extraordinary international forum has been enriching the cultural life of many countries and making a significant contribution to strengthening spiritual ties between Slavic nations and expanding mutually beneficial cultural and humanitarian cooperation. Slavyansky Bazaar is renowned for its creative traditions and friendly, constructive atmosphere, and it fully embodies the motto ‘To peace and mutual understanding through art.’
As usual, the festival has a packed and diverse programme this year. The people of Vitebsk and those visiting this ancient and wonderful city will watch many outstanding premieres and brilliant performances. A concert of Russian and Belarusian performers marking the 85th birth anniversary of Igor Luchenok, an outstanding Soviet and Belarusian composer, will take place under the auspices of the Union State.
I would like to thank the organisers of the Slavyansky Bazaar Festival from the bottom of my heart for their organisational work and to wish inspiration and creative success to all festival participants, as well as unforgettable memories to its guests.”