Press releases

BREST, 17 January (BelTA) – A festival of American documentary movies might take place in Brest in 2015, Charge d’Affaires ad interim of the USA in Belarus Scott Rauland said as he met with senior officials of the Brest City Executive Committee on 17 January, BelTA has learned.

The U.S. diplomat congratulated the residents of Brest on getting Belarus’ Capital of Culture status. He noted that the U.S. Embassy has a long history of cooperation with Brest Oblast, including within the framework of the business promotion program and in the field of rural tourism. The year 2015 will offer new opportunities for cultural exchange. Scott Rauland suggested holding the festival of American documentary movies in Brest. Talks are also underway to arrange the tour of the music band of the United States Air Force to Belarus. If these plans materialize, Brest will be the second city to be visited by the music band within the framework of the celebration of the 70^th anniversary of the Victory.

Brest Mayor Alexander Rogachuk thanked the U.S. diplomat for the interesting and relevant cooperation initiatives. “We have already held festivals of national movies; those were arranged under the auspices of the embassies of France and Kazakhstan. I believe that this cooperation format is destined to succeed. So is the performance of the military music band. It is a very interesting suggestion. I really want it to come to fruition,” the Mayor said.

The major purpose of the visit of the U.S. diplomat to Brest was participation in the international baseball seminar that took place in the city on 17-18 January. Theoretical and practical training is conducted by highly qualified baseball specialists from the United States and Italy. The U.S. Embassy provided direct assistance in arranging the seminar. Scott Rauland noted that baseball is his favorite sport.

“I am glad that the sport that I love so much is gaining ground in Brest. I can say that you are not just the Capital of Culture; you are also the capital of baseball in Belarus. It is great that you play baseball and have such a team. We would like your players to get to the United States and play baseball at various universities there,” Scott Rauland told reporters. After visiting the Palace of Water Sports and other sports facilities, the diplomat highly praised the sports infrastructure of Brest.