Moroccan Embassy pays courtesy call on NOCZ

The trio also discussed partnership between the two countries for the growth of sport in Zambia. PICTURE: NOCZ MEDIA

Chargé d'Affaires for the Kingdom of Morocco to Zambia Dr. Mohamed Kalakhi paid a courtesy call on National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ) at the OlympAfrica centre on Monday.

Dr. Kalakhi was received by NOCZ President Alfred Foloko and the Secretary General Boniface Kambikambi.

In his timely visit, Dr. Kalakhi specifically requested NOCZ for the solidarity to support the candidature of the Moroccan National Olympic Committee vice-President Hamid Kamal Lahlou who is contesting as vice – President for the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA).

The Executive Committee elections of ANOCA are slated for May 24th and 25th this year.

The trio held a brief meeting where they also discussed areas of partnership between Zambia and Morocco with regards to sports.

Mr Foloko however revealed that the official position of the country on which candidates to support would only be known after the NOCZ Board had discussed the matter and would accordingly communicate back ‘soon’ to the Charge De Affiars, he said.

“We are indeed grateful for calling on us and also presenting the candidature of our brother, on behalf of NOCZ we have gotten your message and we will soon inform our board of your visit,” he said.

“It’s the first official visit we have received in terms of candidacy support for the forthcoming elections in Cairo and we will inform our Board of your request and we are thankful.”

Meanwhile both Mr Foloko and Dr. Kalakhi reiterated the commitment of the two countries in working together especially towards the development of sport.

The NOCZ President said the two countries have enjoyed a good relationship which has seen Zambia continue to benefit.

He called on the Moroccan government to consider partnering with NOCZ especially in developing the Olympafrica centre which offers sporting facilities to the surrounding communities within the area.

“I was just talking to the Judo president and I have seen the infrastructure they are building and through your office we would like to see how we can benefit, even with the private sector and how they can invest in our sport environment.

“For us the beneficiaries are the underprivileged children around this centre and when we partner with companies and corporations from your country for us that will be beneficial for the development of these young people,” he said.

And Dr. Kalakhi assured Mr Foloko of continued relationship between the two parties adding that: “We will keep contact and I hope that we exchange visits between your association and the Moroccan association”

Chargé d'Affaires Dr. Mohamed Kalakhi (centre) with NOCZ President Alfred Foloko (left) and Secretary General Boniface Kambikambi. PICTURE: NOCZ MEDIA