CoE official: Azerbaijan has growing role on international arena

European countries' sports ministers discuss in Baku legal issues of sport development, Gabriella Battani-Dragoni, Council of Europe's Director General of Education, Culture and Heritage, Youth and Sport, told journalists today.

According to her, holding a similar conference in Baku indicates Azerbaijan's increased role in the international sport arena. She said facilitating procedures for granting visas to young athletes will also be discussed.

Azerbaijani Youth and Sports Minister Azad Rahimov told journalists that these issues are important for Azerbaijan, as in the near future sports totalizators will start to operate in the country, and the European countries' experience in this area is very important.

"Much attention has recently been given to doping issue, especially in the Weightlifting Federation. We will strive to enhance anti-doping advocacy and controls," Rahimov said.

According to him, short-term visas and delays in their issuance hinder the participation of athletes in some events, thus facilitating the procedures for granting visas for athletes is necessary.


/Trend/