Opinions & Interviews

Hungarian foreign minister praises 2nd European Games Minsk 2019 organization

An archive photo

MINSK, 3 March (BelTA) – Hungarian athletes and coaches have only the most favorable recollections of the 2nd European Games Minsk 2019. The organization of the games deserves only praise. Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto made the statement as he met with Belarusian Sports and Tourism Minister Sergei Kovalchuk on 3 March, BelTA has learned.

Peter Szijjarto said: “I know everything was organized perfectly and deserved only praise. I am also pleased that Hungary won 19 medals during the games.”

According to the Hungarian minister of foreign affairs and trade, he followed events of the European biathlon championship in the Belarusian sport complex Raubichi with interest. He said he understood the complications involved in hosting the competition during an abnormally warm winter. He recalled that Hungary received the right to host a water sports world championship in 2017 after Mexico turned down the honor. “I understand perfectly well what Belarusian colleagues had to face and express my admiration at your ability to promptly resolve all the problems,” Peter Szijjarto added. He also remarked that just like Belarus Hungary tries to host many sport events, including international ones, because it allows attracting additional attention to the country, developing various kinds of sport, and encouraging people to pursue a healthy lifestyle.

Sergei Kovalchuk and Peter Szijjarto. Photo courtesy of the Sports and Tourism Ministry

In turn, Sergei Kovalchuk stressed that Belarus-Hungary cooperation in sports develops vigorously: athletes of Belarus and Hungary constantly participate in open championships and international competitions that take place in the two countries in addition to arranging joint training sessions.

“We have something to learn from each other and not only the organization and hosting of sport events. There are topics we share in the area of science and medicine, the educational process, and the use of modern technologies,” the sports and tourism minister said.

The sides also discussed cooperation in the sphere of tourism. The Hungarian guest suggested establishing tighter contacts between the relevant agencies and preparing a package of documents by fleshing it out with concrete plans and events.

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