BAKU: Pakistan’s ambassador in Azerbaijan Saeed Khan Mohmand on Wednesday hosted a reception here in honour of the Pakistan Olympics Association (POA) officials who had accompanied the sports contingent that participated in the 4th Islamic Solidarity Games and said that the two countries enjoy very good relations which can be further improved through bilateral sports tours.

“Our athletes have performed admirably in the Islamic Games which will further help improve our relations with Azerbaijan,” said Saeed.

The officials who attended the reception included POA president retired Lt Gen Arif Hasan, secretary general Khalid Mahmood, chef de mission Syed Abid Qadri, his deputy Shahid Islam and media adviser Asif Azeem.

The ambassador also praised the tremendous success of Azerbaijan athletes in the Games who bagged the most number of gold medals to top the charts.

“Host Azerbaijan’s tremendous success is due to the fine and modern infrastructure in place for the athletes and the support its govt provides to its players and Olympic committee.”

Gen Arif thanked the ambassador and informed that the POA is trying to do its best for the athletes and is keen to arrange more exchange tours of sportspersons in order to raise the standard of players and facilities in various disciplines.

Later, ambassador Saeed Mohmand presented special souvenirs to all officials.

Published in Dawn, May 26th, 2017