Belarus to implement visa-free system for fans of 2nd CIS Games

MINSK. June 26 (Interfax) - Belarus will implement a visa-free system for fans of the 2nd CIS Games, Belarusian Foreign Ministry press secretary Anatoly Glaz said in Minsk on Monday.

"Against the backdrop of an aggressive policy limiting humanitarian contacts, we are acting differently and are trying to maximize our openness to neighboring countries, to show how we live, and to invite guests here. Therefore, a visa-free system will be implemented for residents of neighboring countries, fans of the 2nd CIS Games," the Belarusian state-run news agency BelTA quoted Glaz as saying.

"We are perfectly aware that sport has been extremely politicized and plagued with the basest political qualities. Yet we want to organize a genuine sport festival, where competition will take place at arenas, and we will do that. We will host a festival that will not be overshadowed by visas or other restrictions," Glaz said.

Belarusian Sport and Tourism Minister Sergei Kovalchuk said earlier on Monday that over 2,000 athletes from 18 countries had been accredited for the 2nd CIS Games.

Belarus will host the 2nd CIS Games on August 4-14, 2023.