Smolensk welcomed delegations from Belarus, India and China on May 9.

Delegations from the Republic of Belarus, the People's Republic of China, and India arrived in Smolensk to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Victory.

Guests from Pskov, Murmansk, Brest, the Moscow district of Minsk, Cuihu (China), and Bhopal (India) visited Smolensk. The delegation from the Orsha district was headed by Sergey Nikolaevich Pats.

"The relations between us are not just diplomacy and official agreements that imply events in various fields. This is true friendship, mutual assistance, continuous joint work, and today – a shared joy, pride, and memory of our Victory! It was pleasant to share the festive events with the guests, to communicate, and to exchange gifts. Among the presents was an original page from a Chinese newspaper dedicated to Victory. I believe it would be right to transfer it to the Smolensk museum so that residents and guests of the city can familiarize themselves with the copy," noted the mayor.

Mayor Alexander Novikov and honored guests joined the international action "Lilac of Victory," planting a plant in the Heroes' Memory Square.

"The choice is not accidental – lilac has become a symbol of Victory for many decades and is depicted in all military photographs and postcards. The essence of the action is to plant lilac bushes throughout Russia and in other countries, which will always remind of the victory over fascism. They have already been planted in many cities – from Kerch to Berlin," added Alexander Novikov.