A two-day regional forum of the National Olympic Committees (NOC) of the CIS, the Baltic states and Georgia, took place in Baku under the IOC “Olympic Solidarity” programme.

On 29 and 30 September, some 50 delegates – presidents, secretaries general and other members from 15 NOCs – attended the forum which was opened by Minister of Youth and Sports Azad Rahimov and hosting NOC Vice President Chingiz Huseynzada.

European Olympic Committees Acting President Janez Kocijančič, attended the opening and praised the Azerbaijani government`s attention to the development of sport, saying the country has rich sports traditions.

Participants exchanged experiences in promoting the Olympic Movement and its values, and discussed joint activities, cooperation on promoting healthy lifestyles, and developing sports infrastructure, as well as prospects for cooperation in international sports organizations. Preparations for the forthcoming Olympic and European Games were also on the agenda.

While in Baku, the participants took part in the NOC’s 25^th anniversary celebrations.

The Baku forum followed the one organised by the NOC of Russia in early September. The next meeting to gather the NOCs of the region will be hosted by the NOC of Latvia in 2018.