Oleg Matytsin held a meeting with UAE Minister of Education Ahmad Al Falasi at Volga Region University

Oleg Matytsin, Minister of Sport of the Russian Federation, met with Ahmad Al Falasi, Minister of Education of the United Arab Emirates, as part of his working visit to Kazan. The meeting was held at the Volga Region University of Physical Culture, Sports and Tourism. The parties discussed topical issues of co-operation and the approval of a roadmap for joint sporting events.

Oleg Matytsin noted the high level of established co-operation between Russia and the UAE.

"Last December, during the visit of President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin to Abu Dhabi, the importance of strengthening comprehensive co-operation, including in the sports sphere, was noted. We are ready to expand sports ties in various aspects - exchange of experience between athletes, coaches, participation of our delegations in competitions in the UAE, we are also looking forward to the participation of your athletes in tournaments in Russia. Our country offers new formats of sporting events - the first this year was the Future Games. We hope that the project will be further developed in the international community. The rich experience of the United Arab Emirates in promoting new knowledge and skills among the youth of the UAE will be a great addition to the educational programme of the Future Games," said the head of the Russian sports ministry.

Minister Ahmad Al Falasi thanked the Russian side for the warm welcome and invitation to the Future Games international tournament, and spoke about plans to develop sports in the UAE.

"Holding such a unique tournament is an innovative idea that will help our children develop harmoniously. Our country has held many major events, but we do not have similar experience in organising specifically sports tournaments. Therefore, we do not rule out that the Future Games can become such an important experience for the country.

The United Arab Emirates has excelled in many spheres, but it is not a leader in sports. With just over one million UAE nationals living in the country, we have a lot to look forward to and work on. It is important to inculcate love and desire to do sports starting from school, from students. Your experience will be very useful to us in this. Now we are focusing on the development of individual sports, and we will be grateful for methodological and strategic support in our work," Ahmad Al-Falasi said.

Press service of the Ministry of Sport of Russia