Today, on 21 October, a joint meeting of the boards of the Ministry of Sport of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Sport and Tourism of the Republic of Belarus took place in Perm. The event was held on the margins of the XI International Sports Forum "Russia - a Sporting Power" in an open format. The meeting was attended by the Minister of Sport of Tatarstan Vladimir Leonov and Rector of the Volga Region University of Physical Culture, Sports and Tourism Rafis Burganov. During his speech, Oleg Matytsin, Minister of Sport of the Russian Federation, thanked the Belarusian side for co-operation and offered to hold part of the World Friendship Games competitions in Minsk.  "Taking into account the experience of the Republic of Belarus in holding major international tournaments, we are considering the possibility of holding part of the World Friendship Games programme in Minsk. We will submit this proposal to the Presidents of our countries. We hope that it will be approved. Belarus has always held competitions at a high organisational level and is notable for its reverent attitude to quality. Sport is a very important part of the state policy of our countries. And the common task between the agencies is to make sure that all the plans for the development of sport are realised. In these challenging times, we realise even more deeply that only together we can overcome this difficult period and give a new impetus to the development of sports systems," said Oleg Matytsin.  Minister of Sport and Tourism of the Republic of Belarus Sergei Kovalchuk noted that Russia is the most important strategic partner for Belarus. "This year is the third time we hold a joint board. And each time we make a confident step in organising and holding our common events," said the head of the Belarusian side.  Sergei Kovalchuk also commented on the proposal of Oleg Matytsin to host part of the competitions within the framework of the Friendship Games.  "Belarus is ready to take on the role of co-organiser. We held the II European Games and the World Ice Hockey Championship. We are ready to co-organise the upcoming World Friendship Games as well," said Sergei Kovalchuk.  At the end of the event the decision of the joint meeting of the boards of the Ministry of Sport of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Sport and Tourism of the Republic of Belarus was signed.

 

Press service of the Ministry of Sport of the Russian Federation