A. Surikov: The Union State Schoolchildren's Olympiad is a serious integration project

October 31, Polotsk / Diana Kurilo - BELTA /. The Olympiad for schoolchildren of the Union State is one of the serious integration projects of Belarus and Russia. This point of view was expressed in a conversation with a BELTA correspondent by the Russian Ambassador to Belarus Alexander Surikov. Today, the diplomat took part in the solemn closing ceremony of the 4th Olympiad for schoolchildren of the Union State "Russia and Belarus: Historical and Spiritual Community", which was held in Polotsk this year. "This is an important project within the framework of the Union State, it serves to bring the Russian and Belarusian peoples closer together," the ambassador is confident. The Olympiad for schoolchildren of the Union State helps to form the younger generation's attitude towards a common past and a common present. "We are not dividing our common space, but building it up, preserving it," said Alexander Surikov. According to him, proposals are already being made to expand the format of the event by inviting teams of schoolchildren from CIS countries and Slavic states. The Russian ambassador traditionally presented prizes to the participants of the Olympiad, and also presented one of the Polotsk gymnasiums with a library of Russian literature consisting of 600 books. Next year, the Russian Embassy intends to equip one of the schools in Polotsk with a satellite television set for receiving educational programs, Alexander Surikov added. -0-