MINSK, 21 October (BelTA) – Belarus will use Azerbaijan's experience in hosting the European Games, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said as he met with Chingiz Huseynzade, Vice President of the National Olympic Committee of Azerbaijan, on 21 October, BelTA has learned.
“Your experience is very important for us,” the Belarusian leader stressed. He noted that no one will ever be able to outperform Azerbaijan. “My friend Ilham [Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev] has set the bar so high!” Alexander Lukashenko noted.
“Everyone wants to hold the Games at the highest level, and we have been trying to find some kind of an algorithm for hosting such events. I believe we will hold the Games in a warm and cordial atmosphere. The Games will be for the athletes,” the Belarusian leader said.
Alexander Lukashenko noted that Belarus has almost all the necessary facilities for the European Games. “We will refurbish them, if necessary, even though they are in a good condition. We will build something new and renovate what we already have,” the Belarusian head of state said.
The President also pointed out that holding such large-scale international sport events gives an additional impetus to the development of the country in sports, tourism and economy.
For his part, Chingiz Huseynzade congratulated the Belarus on being selected to host the European Games. “We are very happy for you,” he said. The Vice President of the NOC of Azerbaijan noted that after the First European Games in Baku, the future of the tournament was unclear.
During the meeting, Chingiz Huseynzade also presented an Olympic order to Alexander Lukashenko.
