GUYANESE joined the estimated one billion viewers worldwide for the opening game of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia but the Russian Embassy here was abuzz for its own reasons.

The Embassy hosted a viewing party for government ministers and members of the Diplomatic Corps yesterday where, diplomatic relations between Guyana and Russia further strengthened.

Russian Ambassador to Guyana, Alexander Kurmaz, who hosted the event at the Russian Embassy commented, “(This world cup) is really a joy, not only for the Russian Federation but for all football fans all over the world.”

He also expressed his pleasure that Guyanese joined the estimated one billion people tuning into the opening match between Russia and Saudi Arabia.

The ambassador, however, reminded that sports serve to bring people together, not divide them and stressed, “It is very, very important that sports and politics are separated.”

A Guyana Football Federation (GFF) delegation that travelled to Russia for the FIFA Congress was also in Moscow at the time of the first game, watching the match live. Kurmaz also related that the delegation may also be there for the final match on July 15. To this end, he noted that the two countries have enjoyed good relations and these will continue for the foreseeable future.

Addressing Guyana’s prospects of participating in one of the next few world cups, Director of Sport Christopher Jones also related that he is very pleased with the “athlete development path” that the GFF is currently traversing.

“The prospects are good but of course nurturing those talents, having adequate funding and of course giving those talents the exposure leading up to world cup is important,” Jones advanced.

Commenting on the Guyanese delegation in Russia also, Jones said, “I hope that the exposure garnered from that experience would enrich them so that they return home to prepare themselves to represent Guyana at other international and regional activities.”

Minister of Social Cohesion with responsibility for Sport, Dr George Norton also related that he was delighted that the Russian Embassy invited him to the viewing party because it serves as a reminder of how Guyana can benefit from Russia in the area of Sport.

“The Russian federation has always been a friend of the Guyanese government and people,” Norton said and added, “Being here only fosters that relationship and I’m looking forward to a greater sporting relationship.”

To this end, he affirmed that the federation would have no qualms in having their coaches train local athletes and discussions can be held for the donation of sporting equipment.