SCO Boosts Belarus-China cooperation in sports and tourism

Cooperation between Belarus and China in sports and tourism is receiving a new boost through the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Belarusian Sports and Tourism Minister Sergey Kovalchuk told Xinhua News Agency, a partner of TV BRICS.

Belarus became the 10th member of the SCO in 2024. Describing the country’s accession as “important,” Kovalchuk said Belarus is actively participating in SCO activities and aims to make a meaningful contribution to the organisation’s development.

The Minister expressed gratitude to China for supporting the construction of modern sports facilities in Belarus. With Chinese assistance, the Belarusian International Standard Swimming Pool and the National Football Stadium meet the highest international standards and already host major competitions. “These world-class facilities provide Belarusian athletes with excellent training and competition conditions, significantly enhancing the country's capacity to host large international tournaments,” he added.

China has also proposed several sports programmes within the SCO, including coordinated competitions among member states and expert groups for their organisation. Kovalchuk noted that joint football training sessions and experience exchanges have become regular, and expressed confidence that further collaboration will allow Belarus and China to achieve new success on the global football stage.

Regarding tourism, Kovalchuk described the sector as a “unique bridge” for strengthening friendship and mutual understanding. Since the launch of direct flights, occupancy has remained high, driving a steady increase in tourist flows between the two countries.

The Minister also welcomed Chinese tourists to Belarus, highlighting the country’s rich historical and cultural heritage, quality medical and wellness infrastructure, unique landscapes, and cuisine blending Eastern and Western traditions.