ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Azerbaijan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding in the field of sports to facilitate direct cooperation, exchange of sports teams and create opportunity to hold joint sports events between two brotherly countries.
Speaking to occasion, Federal Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination Fehmida Mirza Pakistan greatly values its relationship of cooperation with the Azerbaijan.
She thanked the Ministry of Youth and Sport for arranging this event to cement the cooperation between Pakistan and Azerbaijan for promoting sports.
She said that sport diplomacy has become an integral part of efforts to build friendly relations among 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,” the minister added.
Federal minister acknowledged that Azerbaijan successfully hosted Islamic Solidarity Games in 2017 and collaboration with Azerbaijan would be learning experience for Pakistan to host mega events.
She underscored the global contribution of Pakistan in cricket, hockey, squash, snooker and also in some regional games like Kabaddi.
The minister also extended cooperation in the field of traditional sports as both countries have a vibrant culture in this type of games.
She also shared an idea of holding a conference on the topic of sports diplomacy and 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.
