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Belarus, Ukraine mull over Olympics joint bid

ZHITOMIR, 4 October (BelTA) – Belarus and Ukraine can submit a joint bid to co-host large-scale international sport competitions, Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko said at the 2nd Forum of Regions of Belarus and Ukraine in Zhitomir on 4 October, BelTA has learned.

The head of state recalled the 2nd European Games and The Match Europe v USA that Minsk had recently hosted. Ukrainian athletes took an active part in these competitions and performed successfully there. Ukraine placed third in the overall standings at the 2nd European Games.

“I think that our states could bid to co-host big international sport competitions. I am talking about the Ukrainian president’s proposal to bid to co-host the Olympic Games. Together we can do it,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

The president added that dialogue of cultures built on traditions and spiritual values close to Belarusians and Ukrainians alike takes a special place in the relations between the two countries. “A year has passed, but Minsk residents and visitors are still impressed by the Days of Ukrainian Culture. Ukrainian performers have become an adornment of international festivals: Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk and Kupala Night in Alexandria. We are happy that Belarusian performers are also popular in Ukraine. We are proud that Art Director of Syabry Ensemble (Anatoly Yarmolenko) received the Ukrainian Person of the Year 2018 award,” the head of state said.

In his words, the forthcoming Days of Belarusian Culture in Kiev will become a great opportunity for Belarusians to share their folk and modern art with Ukrainian friends.  

Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed that Belarus and Ukraine are not simply neighbors. The countries enjoy longstanding friendship which is stronger that any most efficient economic, diplomatic and cultural partnership. “These are blood and spiritual ties, the ties of our Slavonic unity. Today these ties are supported by business contacts, cultural and educational projects, tourism, and trips to friends and our loved ones. We cherish our relations and value the friendship between our nations,” the Belarusian leader said.

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