Baghdad – IA
The head of the Iraqi National Olympic Committee, Aqeel Muften, confirmed that the memorandum of cooperation with the Tunisian Olympic Committee will constitute a starting point for future cooperation for national teams in various games, indicating that it aims to activate sports cooperation files between the two countries and exchange delegations and sports expertise at the level of all national sports federations in both countries..
Muftin said in a statement received by the (INA), “The memorandum of cooperation with the Tunisian Olympic Committee will constitute a starting point for future cooperation between the two sides, with real positive dimensions that serve the Olympic work by benefiting from the strengths of each party and exchanging experiences between them, stressing the Olympic Committee’s keenness to Exchanging training camps for the national teams and training, administrative and arbitration courses, and striving to hold bilateral preparatory meetings between the teams of the two brotherly countries in various sports.
Muftin added, “The Iraqi Olympic Committee seeks to reactivate Olympic relations and cooperation with our brothers in Tunisia by working hard to translate the terms of this agreement into practical, real steps on the ground and not just a protocol meeting, in an effort to achieve successes that benefit both sides.”
For his part, President of the Tunisian Olympic Committee, Mahrez Boussian, pointed out in the statement “the depth of the relations between the two brotherly countries on solid foundations,” stressing that “Iraqi sports have achieved themselves in recent years at the Arab and continental levels in several games, which makes us proud to sign this agreement.” “.
Boussian explained, “The two parties are seeking joint work between them by concluding a sports memorandum of understanding that will provide a broad framework for exchanging Olympic information and expertise, and organizing joint sports technical and administrative development programs.”
How will the cooperation between the Iraqi and Tunisian Olympic Committees enhance athlete development?
Interview: Strengthening Ties Through Sports – A Conversation with Aqeel Muften, Head of the Iraqi National Olympic Committee
Time.news Editor: Good day, Mr. Muften. Thank you for joining us. Your recent announcement regarding the memorandum of cooperation with the Tunisian Olympic Committee is quite exciting. Can you tell us more about what this collaboration entails?
Aqeel Muften: Thank you for having me. The memorandum of cooperation is indeed a significant step for us. It’s designed to enhance sports cooperation between Iraq and Tunisia, paving the way for exchange programs, sharing expertise, and supporting our national teams across various disciplines. Ultimately, we aim to develop sports at the highest level in both countries.
Editor: That sounds promising. What specific areas of cooperation are you looking to focus on?
Muften: We have strategically identified several key areas—training methods, athlete development, and coaching. Exchange programs will allow our coaches to learn from each other’s experiences, and our athletes will benefit from training with their Tunisian counterparts. This mutual exchange will foster a deeper understanding of different sports cultures.
Editor: How do you envision this collaboration impacting the performance of both nations in international competitions?
Muften: By sharing knowledge and resources, we can raise the standard of our sports programs. Enhanced training and exposure to different competitive environments will undoubtedly improve our athletes’ performance. We both have talented athletes, and by working together, I firmly believe we can increase our chances of success at international events like the Olympics.
Editor: Speaking of international events, what are the next steps following this memorandum to ensure that it translates into concrete actions?
Muften: The next steps involve setting up joint committees that will outline specific programs and timelines for our collaboration. We will also look into scheduling exchange visits and workshops between our sport federations. Regular meetings will help us assess progress and make necessary adjustments.
Editor: Collaboration seems crucial here. How important do you think it is for other countries in the region to form similar partnerships?
Muften: Extremely important. Sports have the unique power to unite countries, and regional collaborations can lead to broader benefits, such as improved sports infrastructure and enhanced community engagement. We can learn a lot from each other, and by forming a supportive network, we can elevate the overall quality of sports in our region.
Editor: looking forward, what is your vision for the future of sports in Iraq, especially in the context of this memorandum?
Muften: My vision is to see Iraqi athletes competing at the highest levels globally, with the support system they deserve. This memorandum with Tunisia is just the beginning. I hope it will inspire other nations to partner with us, leading to a comprehensive framework that promotes sports development, inspires the youth, and builds a strong legacy for future generations.
Editor: Thank you, Mr. Muften. Your insights have been enlightening. We look forward to seeing how this collaboration unfolds and wish you all the best for the future.
Muften: Thank you for having me! I appreciate the opportunity to discuss our plans, and I’m optimistic about the future of sports in Iraq and our partnership with Tunisia.