MINSK, 7 June (BelTA) – It would be fitting to erect a monument to China President Xi Jinping outside Belarus’ National Football Stadium. Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko made the relevant statement during the ceremony held on 7 June to solemnly open the National Football Stadium, BelTA has learned.
Aleksandr Lukashenko said: “Once in Beijing during negotiations with my old but very reliable friend, China President Xi Jinping I started this conversation. The Chinese are very calm and balanced people. After I shared my thoughts he said in the Chinese way that they would think about it.”
During a regular visit of the Belarusian head of state to China Xi Jinping unexpectedly demonstrated two models to Aleksandr Lukashenko: an international-level swimming pool and a football stadium. The Chinese president said back then that the construction of these facilities would be a gift to the Belarusian nation.
“I didn’t believe it right away because I know China and the Chinese well. But then I thought that the Chinese don’t say anything without a good reason. Even more so if the top public official says it. This is how it all started,” Aleksandr Lukashenko stated.
The stadium was built comparatively fast. A new swimming pool compliant with international standards has also been built in the Belarusian capital. “A gift from the Chinese people in its entirety. It cost no Belarusian money,” the president remarked.
“We are officially opening the greatest ‘monument.’ At the entrance [where a sculptural composition depicting Belarusian and Chinese football players stands] I said it would be fitting to erect a monument to my friend Xi Jinping here. Because only thanks to him the Chinese have built this stadium at their own expense. As the minister said, there are not many of those in Europe,” Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed.
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