Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 14 September (BelTA) – The 31st Planetary Congress of the Association of Space Explorers in Minsk was one of the best organized, the USSR pilot-cosmonaut, native of Belarus Piotr Klimuk told journalists on 14 September, BelTA has learned.

“I had visited three or four congresses before. I think that the Minsk forum was one of the best. Everything was organized in the best possible way. I was very happy to meet with other cosmonauts and astronauts. I was the head of the cosmonaut training center for many years and I know everyone. It was interesting to find out how they live and what they do now,” Piotr Klimuk said.

Pilot-cosmonaut, native of Belarus Oleg Novitsky noted that many participants of the congress visited Belarus for the first time. “All the participants were delighted by the reception, good attitude, amiability, decency and hospitality of the Belarusians. I am sure they will have good memories of our country, and the flow of tourists to Belarus will increase,” he added.

Minsk is playing host to the 31st Planetary Congress of the Association of Space Explorers on 9-15 September. Over 80 cosmonauts and astronauts from 17 countries are taking part in the event. The theme of the congress is Creating the Future of Space. An Alley of Cosmonauts was planted in the Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus on 14 September. Every participant planted a juniper with a rocket-shaped crown. The cosmonauts and astronauts are also set to visit the Minsk DOSAAF aeroclub and to attend the closing ceremony in the evening.

The Association of Space Explorers is an international not-for-profit organization established in 1985 to share the best practices in the area of manned space flights. The ASE planetary congress gathers cosmonauts and representatives of scientific research institutions and national space agencies on an annual basis.