Showcasing the Foreign Office's work on London 2012
Foreign Office Minister Jeremy Browne has met representatives from the governments and organising committees of the next two Olympic Games to showcase the Foreign Office's work with international partners during London 2012
Brazilian and Russian delegations are visiting the UK as part of the Olympic Games Observer Programme. As part of the programme the delegation were briefed on the work of the Foreign & Commonwealth Office’s 2012 Co-ordination Centre as well as visiting the GREAT Pavilion at the Foreign Office.
Foreign Office Minister Browne said “I am very pleased to welcome Mr Chernyshenko and Mr Fortes as the hosts of the next Winter Olympics in Sochi and Summer Olympics in Rio. I am glad that we can pass on some of the lessons we have learnt from our experience. Every Games is different, but international cooperation and harmony is a thread we believe can, and should, run through them all. I hope that the observer programme continues to deepen the important links between our countries.”
Mr Chernyshenko, CEO of Sochi 2014, said “The London 2012 and Sochi 2014 Games are once-in-a-generation moments for both our countries. For myself and my team, getting to take part in the Observer Programme has been of enormous benefit as we continue our own preparations. Ever since London won the bid, we’ve been fortunate enough to work closely with the team to ensure we too can also deliver a fantastic Games.”
Marcio Fortes, President of the Brazilian Public Olympic Authority said “I think that with the UK’s support, we will host one of the most important Games in history. It is important to say that there is a very close cooperation between Brazilians and the British through our Government Olympic Observer Programme, there is an unique friendship.”