The agreement was formally signed during the World University Speed Skating Championships in Minsk, which concluded today.

The two organisations have agreed to work together on physical education and developing university sport. 

"The AZS has an interest in close contacts with the Belarusian Association," Bartlomiej Korpak, secretary general of AZS, said, according to the the state-owned national news agency Belarusian Telegraph Agency (BelTA).

"Our young people are watching the development of sports in Belarus with great interest. 

"They are ready for competitions. 

"We plan to hold tournaments in different sports in Polish and Belarusian cities every year."

Alexander Bogdanovich, chairman of the Belarusian Association of University Sports, claimed the partnership with Poland would be of mutual benefit to the two countries. 

"The Belarusian Association of University Sports is ready to expand cooperation with the AZS," he told BelTA.

"Our Western partners have a long track record in holding competitions in university sports. 

"I think our experience will also be useful for our colleagues. 

"We will be happy to welcome Polish athletes at Belarusian sports facilities."