Alexander Lukashenko meets President of International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach, in Baku
“We are members of the European family. Europe is our common home, so we — as a young and ambitious country — have to play our due role, including in sports. Moreover, sport is a priority in our country,” notes Mr. Lukashenko during the conversation.
Participants of meeting with President of Belarus
Mr. Lukashenko made a proposal so that the International Olympic Committee should pay more attention to the development of sport in those countries that are developing in this direction. “Yes, we have dozens of recognised leaders in world sport, but we need to support the developing countries, too. I know that such ideas exist in the IOC. We’re ready to work together with you in practice so this idea is given greater dynamism,” said Mr. Lukashenko.
The issues of purity in sport were also discussed, with Mr. Lukashenko stressing that Belarus’ principal position is that sport should be fair.
The President of Belarus thanked Thomas Bach for the role he plays in international Olympic movement and in international sport. “I’m very pleased that there’s such a specialist in the IOC, as well as a person who wishes to develop sport and facilitates its development.”
In his turn, Mr. Bach said that he was happy to meet the President of Belarus. “I’m sure that you and the Belarusian team will play an important role in the history and organisation of the first European Games,” he said. The IOC President expressed gratitude that Belarus pays enhanced attention to the development of sport and this is especially important, including for national unity.
Implementation of the IOC’s Olympic Solidarity programme was also high on the agenda during the meeting, and it was noted that it’s being successfully realised in many countries, including Belarus.
After the meeting Mr. Lukashenko awarded the IOC President the Order of the National Olympic Committee of Belarus for shining merits in the development of Olympic movement, mass sports and high-performance sport in Belarus, as well as for special merits in propaganda of ideals and principles of the Olympic movement and popularisation of sport and healthy lifestyle.
By Alexander Pimenov
