Unity of Peoples of Russia and Belarus Day is observed in the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus every April 2. This annual holiday commemorates the creation of the Commonwealth of Belarus and Russia in 1996 and the subsequent signing of the Treaty on the Union in 1997, which established the Union State aimed at fostering economic, political, and social integration between the two countries. First celebrated in 1998, the day honors the historic friendship between the peoples of Russia and Belarus. Although it is not a non-working holiday in either country, various festivities are held, attended by government officials, intellectuals, cultural figures, and representatives of non-government organizations.