By Lamarana S. Jallow
In a significant step towards enhancing cooperation in youth and sports development, the Honorable Minister of Youth and Sports Bakary Y. Badjie has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with his Azerbaijani counterpart, Hon. Farid Gayibov at a ceremony held in Paris, where Minister Badjie is currently attending the 11th Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting and the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
The MOU, aimed at fostering bilateral relationships between The Gambia and Azerbaijan, also outlines various areas of cooperation in youth and sports.
The agreement seeks to promote and develop cooperation based on principles of equality and mutual respect, aligning with the national legislation of both countries. Key areas of cooperation include the exchange of expertise in youth policy, high-performance sports, mass sports, sports science, sports technology and infrastructure, and sports management.
The MOU also emphasises the importance of joint sports training, education and training of experts, athletes, and the exchange of technical staff and coaches.
Additionally, the MOU establishes forms of cooperation in youth fields, covering youth festivals, training, and exchange programs.
The MOU, effective upon signature, is concluded for an initial period of five years and is subjected to renewal.This MOU represents a milestone in the collaboration between The Gambia and Azerbaijan, promising to deepen understanding and benefit athletes and young people from both nations.
The Minister is accompanied by Permanent Secretary Ndey Marie Njie and Acting Executive Director of the National Sports Council, Mahmoud Lamin Jawla.
