Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 13 June (BelTA) - Sport is a cornerstone of modern society development, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said as he met with President of the European Olympic Committees Patrick Hickey in Baku on 13 June, BelTA has learned.

“I like sport, moreover, I am in charge of sport and its organization. In fact, the development of the modern society is connected with sport. It is a source of health and good mood,” Alexander Lukashenko said.

Patrick Hickey, in turn, praised the development of the sports infrastructure in Belarus. “You have wonderful sports facilities and objects. This is because you go in for sport,” he said. The president of the European Olympic Committees also noted that he heard a lot of positive commends about the IIHF World Championship in Minsk.

The sides also discussed the organization and holding of the first European Games in Baku. “By organizing this event Azerbaijan has demonstrated its level and responded to skepticism. It is a normal developing and peaceful country with a good government and president who takes care of his country. In spite of all the criticism he takes care of the country, its people and, as we have seen, the entire Europe. There will always be criticism. It is easier to criticize than to do something,” the Belarusian leader stressed.

“I cannot but agree. A few weeks ago we met with European MPs in Brussels. They criticized our committee for holding the games in Azerbaijan. I told them that they were speaking on behalf of 28 countries. We represent 50 counties of Europe. We must respect everyone,” Patrick Hickey said.

“This is a very strong argument,” Alexander Lukashenko remarked.

At the end of the meeting the Belarusian head of state presented the Medal of Francysk Skaryna to Patrick Hickey for a big personal contribution to the development of the Belarusian Olympic movement, mass and elite sport.