From 1 July to 3 July, the Republic of Buryatia celebrated the 350th anniversary of the Republic voluntarily becoming a part of Russia. The Fund for Protection of Lake Baikal joined in these celebrations with over fifty cultural, public and sports events in the capital of the Republic. Prime Minister of Russia Vladimir Putin as well as mayors and representatives of municipal governments, scientists and entrepreneurs from the Russian Federation, Ukraine, Mongolia, South Korea and China arrived at the Republic for this event. In the framework of celebrations, Mr Slipenchuk, Chairman of the FPLB Guardianship Board, met with Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, Minister of Finance of the Russian Federation Alexei Kudrin and President of Buryatia Vyacheslav Nagovitsyn.

“This long-expected day has finally come. We have been preparing for this event for three years. Three years ago Dmitry Medvedev signed a decree on celebration in 2011 of the 350th anniversary of Buryatia voluntary joining Russia. In the same year, Chairman of the Government Vladimir Putin approved the program of preparation for this event and the composition of the organizing committee. In three years ministries met on numerous occasions for planning purposes. I can now say that the preparations approved by the Chairman of the Government have all been completed”, said President of Buryatia Vyacheslav Nagovitsyn in his greeting speech.

In the framework of preparation to this event, the road to Baikal Lake has been repaired in many places. According to representatives of the Fund for Protection of Lake Baikal, this will have a positive effect on tourism development in Buryatia attracting travelers from all around the world.