SB Report
Baku:-Pakistan’s Minister of Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC) and Ministry of Sports & Youth Affairs of Azerbaijan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance the cooperation in the field of sports and youth activities. Signing ceremony was held in Baku on Monday. Federal Minister for IPC DR Fehmida Mirza and Azerbaijan Minister Sports & Youth Affairs Azad Rahimov signed the MoU.
MoU between Pakistan and Azerbaijan in the field of sports was inked on 21st October 2019. It would facilitate direct cooperation, exchange of sports teams and create opportunity to hold joint sports events between two brotherly countries. Speaking to occasion, Federal Minister said, “Pakistan greatly values its relationship of cooperation with the Republic of Azerbaijan. I thank the Ministry of Youth and Sport for arranging this event to cement the cooperation between Pakistan and Azerbaijan for promoting sports.”
“Today, ‘sport diplomacy’ has become an integral part of efforts to build friendly relations among the nations. Sport diplomacy uses the universal passion for sports to bring people together. Both of our countries have seen a long history of regional conflicts. Employing sport diplomacy tools can help us challenge prejudices, heal divisions and champion tolerance” Minister added.
Federal Minister acknowledged that Azerbaijan successfully hosted Islamic Solidarity Games in 2017 and in collaboration with Azerbaijan would be learning experience for Pakistan to host mega events.
Minister underscored the global contribution of Pakistan in cricket, hockey, squash, snooker and in some regional games like Kabaddi too. Minister also extended cooperation in the field of traditional sports as both countries have a vibrant culture in this type of games. Federal Minister also shared an idea of holding a conference on the topic of sports diplomacy and to explore its role in fostering peace and cultural exchanges.
Azerbaijan Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs reciprocated same enthusiasm and showed desire to further cooperation in areas such as sports academia, exchange of expertise in sports infrastructure development schemes, exchange of sports experts and training of referees, coaches and technical officials.
