Parliamentary Secretary for Research, Innovation, Youth and Sport, Chris Agius, and the Vice Minister for the General Administration of Sport of The People’s Republic of China, Jianzhong Feng, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote co-operation in the field of sport.

It is in line with the principles agreed in the 5 year Medium Term Co-operation Plan signed by Malta and the People’s Republic of China on 9th July 2014, the Government said in a statement this evening.

Each party has agreed to encourage the regular exchange of coaches in certain sports.

Malta has agreed to provide training facilities for Chinese athletes and teams preparing for sporting events in Europe and North Africa.

Malta will also assist China in the introduction and development of sports of Chinese origin by providing technical assistance. These sports should also include Wushu, Dragon Boat Racing, Chinese Chess and Go (Weiqi).

The Government said that both parties will encourage exchanges and co-operation between sport specialists in the fields of competitive sport, sport for all, sport science and medicine.

Malta and China are also both keen to strengthen co-operation in the fight against doping and other unsportsmanlike behaviours.

The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Sport Co-operation is another step in enhancing the bilateral relationship between Malta and China. It will take the already well-established relationship between the two countries to another level, the Government concluded.

Photograph: DOI/Pierre Sammut

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