ZAGREB, 7 Oct (Hina) - The presidents of the Croatian Olympic Committee and the Malta Olympic Committee, Zlatko Mateša and Julian Pace Bonello, signed a memorandum of cooperation on the sidelines of the 45th European Olympic Committees seminar and the IOC Olympic Solidarity Forum in Valletta.

The agreement establishes a framework for the exchange of coaches, athletes and experts, as well as the transfer of knowledge and experience between the two Olympic communities. Cooperation will cover joint training camps, sports medicine and science projects, and youth athlete development programmes.

Mateša said the memorandum reinforces the committees' shared commitment to improving conditions for athletes and promoting the Olympic movement, and represents a first step toward concrete initiatives to benefit athletes.

The partnership is also intended to strengthen sporting and friendly ties between Croatia and Malta, foster long-term collaboration, and encourage Olympic solidarity and mutual learning.

Bonello described the agreement as an opportunity for joint growth, knowledge exchange and support for young athletes, while also serving as a foundation for closer relations between the two committees and promoting positive sporting values.