Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- World leaders gathered at the virtual summit of the G20 leaders announced their strong support for the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.

The final declaration of the summit said: "As a symbol of human resilience and global unity in overcoming COVID-19, we welcome Japan’s determination to host the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games next year."

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach joined the virtual summit to address the leaders at the invitation of the Saudi G20 presidency.

“Sport can save lives. During the coronavirus crisis, we all became convinced how important sport is for physical and mental health,” the IOC President said in his speech. "The World Health Organization has recognized this by signing a cooperation agreement with the IOC."

Earlier, Japanese Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide said, “I am determined to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo as a symbol that humanity has defeated the virus. I heard that IOC President Thomas Bach, whom I met the other day, has the same resolve. We will continue to make every effort to implement safe and secure Games.”