Discussion between NOCs of Iran and Iraq to strengthen sporting ties

Top officials of the National Olympic Committee of Iraq and the National Olympic Committee of the Islamic Republic of Iran met in Tehran on 3rd June.

Iraq NOC Vice President Ziyad Hassan Jassim and Secretary General Haitham Abdulhameed along with other members of the Executive Board met and had discussions with Iran NOC Secretary General Dr. Seyed Manaf Hashemi.

Welcoming the delegation, Dr. Hashemi said: “The two countries of Iran and Iraq have deep cultural and historical relations, and in recent years in the field of sports.

“In line with the sports cooperation agreement signed between the Olympic Committees of the two countries, we are ready to host Iraqi sports teams, as you requested, because in some sports we are among the global and continental leaders.”

Dr. Hashemi added: “In some sports, Iraq has good athletes and the increase in sports relations will definitely lead to the growth and development of the two friendly, brotherly ties of neighbouring countries, and with the federations increase sporting interaction and hold joint camps.”

In turn, Secretary General of the Iraq NOC Haitham Abdulhameed said: “Iranian sports have a high level of capability and, despite the fact that we have signed sports memorandums with European countries, we expect more from Iran due to the cultural ties, friendship and geographical proximity.”

In December 2021, the NOCs of Iran and Iraq signed a Memorandum of Understanding on bilateral sports cooperation.

Source: www.ocasia.org