Azerbaijan, Albania to boost sports ties with new cooperation pact

Azerbaijan and Albania are set to deepen bilateral sports relations through the signing of a forthcoming memorandum of cooperation, National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Azerbaijan stated.

The initiative was the focal point of discussions during a high-level meeting held in Baku between the Azerbaijani NOC leadership and visiting Albanian sports officials, Caliber.Az reports.

The meeting brought together key figures from both countries' sports communities, underscoring a mutual commitment to expanding collaboration across various disciplines.

Attendees included Vice President of the Azerbaijani NOC Chingiz Huseynzada, President of the Albanian NOC Fidel Ylli, President of the Albanian Gymnastics Federation Leonard Lulaj, President of the European Weightlifting Federation Astrit Hasani, Head of the Azerbaijani NOC’s International Relations Department Anar Baghirov, and Head of the Marketing Department Sakina Valiyeva.

During the meeting, Huseynzada delivered an in-depth presentation on Azerbaijan’s significant progress in the development of sports infrastructure and achievements on the international stage.

Albanian NOC President Fidel Ylli emphasized that the primary objective of his visit was to “explore and expand opportunities for cooperation” between Albanian and Azerbaijani NOCs and various sports federations.

In a further sign of deepening ties, Astrit Hasani announced that the candidacy of Firdovsi Umudov, Vice President of the Azerbaijani Weightlifting Federation, has been submitted for the role of advisor to the International Weightlifting Federation. Additionally, Sabina Rzayeva has been nominated for membership in the international organization’s Gender Equality Commission.

Vice President Huseynzada concluded the meeting by underlining the importance of outlining key areas of cooperation in the forthcoming memorandum, which is expected to formalize and guide future joint initiatives between the two nations in the realm of sport.

By Vafa Guliyeva