Belarusian NOC hosts Russia minister of sport
MINSK, 19 September (BelTA) — President of the Belarusian National Olympic Committee Viktor Lukashenko and Belarusian Sport and Tourism Minister Sergei Kovalchuk met with Russian Minister of Sport Mikhail Degtyarev during his visit to Belarus, BelTA learned from the press service of the NOC.
The parties discussed topical issues of the development of the sports industry of both countries. Viktor Lukashenko stressed that in recent years, the interaction between the two states in sport has reached a very high level, and Belarusian athletes and coaches gain invaluable experience by participating in competitions with the strongest Russian athletes.
«We are reliable partners and will continue to expand cooperation with the Russian side in physical culture and sport,» Viktor Lukashenko said. «This working visit is a good opportunity for Mikhail Vladimirovich to see many modern sports facilities in Minsk and appreciate our capabilities.»
«I would like to congratulate all Belarusian athletes on winning Olympic medals in Paris. Given the huge pressure it is worth a lot,» Mikhail Degtyarev said. “Over the past four months, since my appointment to the post of minister, we have repeatedly met with my colleague Sergei Kovalchuk. Close joint work with our friends from Belarus will continue.»
The Russian minister invited the president of the NOC to the international forum «Russia is a sports nation» which will be held in Ufa in October. Mikhail Degtyarev arrived in Minsk for a joint meeting of the collegiums of the Ministries of Sport of Belarus and Russia which will be held in the NOC Olympic Hall of Fame on 20 September.
