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Latvia mulls over visa facilitation for Belarusians during 2021 IIHF WC

MINSK, 25 July (BelTA) – The issue of simplifying visa procedures for Belarusians to visit Latvia during the 2021 IIHF World Championship is under consideration, and such possibility is possible, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia Edgars Rinkevics told the media on 25 July, BelTA has learned.

“We have discussed the preparations for the IIHF World Championship which will be co-hosted by Latvia and Belarus. We are ready to work out a special mechanism for this period to simplify visa procedures for visits to Latvia. We are a member of the Schengen zone and are committed to its laws. However, there are opportunities to facilitate visa procedures for the period of the IIHF World Championship. Our consular services and border services need to meet and discuss all the matters. We have enough time for that,” Edgars Rinkevics said.

On 24-26 July, the Latvian minister of foreign affairs is in Minsk on a working visit. On 25 July, the ministers of foreign affairs of Belarus and Latvia met to discuss cooperation in sport among other things. The Latvian national team took part in the 2nd European Games in Minsk and won two gold, three silver and two bronze medals. In 2021, Belarus and Latvia will co-host the IIHF World Championship. The right to host the competitions was granted to the countries in May 2017.  

“Sport has always played an important role in strengthening peace, stability and security in the region and friendship between the countries,” Belarus’ Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei said.

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