Bakary Badjie: Gambia expanding sports ties with Azerbaijan

Speaking to reporters, Badjie highlighted the future plans during his participation in an international event in Baku, praising the capital's sports infrastructure: "We came to Baku to attend the 10th session of the Conference of Parties to UNESCO's International Convention Against Doping in Sport (COP10). Your city is beautiful. We are pleased to meet colleagues from other countries and bureau representatives here." He noted that while their schedule was packed with meetings, they managed to visit sports facilities: "Yesterday we watched an equestrian show at a sports center and toured other infrastructure sites. These are excellent facilities that every country would wish to have." Badjie added that he would also visit the aquatic sports center: "I was there during my previous trip as well. Both the gymnastics and aquatic centers are impressive facilities that Gambia aspires to develop." The minister emphasized the strong ties between the two nations: "In recent years, Gambia and Azerbaijan have built very good relations. Last year in Paris, I signed a memorandum of understanding with Minister Farid Gayibov to expand cooperation in youth and sports." According to him, the mechanism for implementing the agreement involves a special committee established through Azerbaijan's ambassador accredited to Gambia in Morocco: "This committee explores ways to realize planned activities, including exchange programs, training for administrators to enhance skills, and youth initiatives. We have already started work and hope to further strengthen our cooperation."