Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 14 July (BelTA) - Cooperation between Belarus and China in sport and tourism has been gaining momentum in recent years, Belarus’ Sport and Tourism Minister Sergei Kovalchuk said at a ceremony to inaugurate the Culture and Tourism Days of Chongqing in Minsk on 14 July, BelTA has learned.

“Cooperation between Belarus and China in the field of sport and tourism has been growing rapidly, particularly in recent years. The tone is set by the heads of state who maintain an honest and open dialogue aimed at establishing not just partnership but trust-based relationship between our countries and peoples,” Sergei Kovalchuk said.

He also stressed that Belarus has been taking every effort to develop and strengthen contacts. For example, Chinese athletes have regularly participated in international competitions held in Belarus. In turn, Belarusian athletes travel to China for events in various sports. According to the minister, this helps gain invaluable experience, establish dialogue with colleagues, and learn more about each other's traditions and culture.

Cooperating in education has been successful, in particular, between specialized sports and tourism universities of Belarus and China. Sergei Kovalchuk cited as an example the Confucius center at the Belarusian State University of Physical Education where young people study the history, culture and language of China.

According to the minister, declaring 2018 the Year of Belarus Tourism in China will open up new opportunities for travelers, create the most convenient and safest conditions for them.