Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Leads ISSF Meetings in Albania

Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal, President of the Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation (ISSF), chaired the federation’s 41st executive office meeting and 13th general assembly in Tirana, Republic of Albania, on December 18, 2024. The meetings brought together senior sports officials, including Albanian Minister of Education and Sports Ogerta Manastirliu and heads of Islamic national Olympic committees, to discuss the federation’s progress and future initiatives.

Context and Background

The ISSF, established under the auspices of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), promotes sports solidarity among member states. These biannual meetings serve as a platform to review achievements, plan upcoming events, and strengthen cooperation. The 2024 gathering in Tirana underscores the federation’s commitment to expanding its reach and fostering unity through sports across the Islamic world.

Key Details

In his opening address, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki expressed gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for their unwavering support of sports development. He also thanked Albania’s leaders and the Albanian National Olympic Committee (KOKSH), led by President Fidel Ylli, for hosting the event. Highlighting achievements, the Prince noted that Islamic countries’ athletes secured 84 medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics, with outstanding performances from Palestinian athletes. He announced that 2025 will mark 20 years since the first Islamic Games in 2005, with Riyadh hosting the sixth edition next November. Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SOPC) Vice President Prince Fahd bin Jalawi bin Abdulaziz bin Musaed presented the Kingdom’s plans for the games, which will feature 19 sports across four venues, including three Paralympic events, with comprehensive logistical services. The general assembly approved the ISSF General Secretariat report for 2023-2024, the hosting file for the seventh Islamic Solidarity Games in 2029, and financial reports, alongside discussions on constitutional amendments.

Implications and Impact

The meetings reinforce Saudi Arabia’s leadership in Islamic sports diplomacy, showcasing its capacity to organize large-scale international events. The upcoming Riyadh games are expected to boost regional sports tourism and foster cultural exchange, aligning with broader goals of promoting health and unity among member nations. The inclusion of Paralympic events highlights a commitment to inclusivity.

Vision 2030 Alignment

These developments align closely with Saudi Vision 2030, which prioritizes sports as a driver of economic diversification, social development, and global engagement. By hosting the Islamic Solidarity Games, Saudi Arabia leverages sports to enhance its international standing, promote healthy lifestyles, and create new opportunities for its youth, contributing to a vibrant society and thriving economy as outlined in the nation’s transformative agenda.

20 Questions

Q1. Who chaired the ISSF meetings in Albania?

A1. Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal, President of the Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation (ISSF), chaired the 41st executive office meeting and 13th general assembly in Tirana.

Q2. When and where were the ISSF meetings held?

A2. The meetings were held on December 18, 2024, in Tirana, the capital city of the Republic of Albania.

Q3. Who attended the meetings alongside Prince Abdulaziz?

A3. Albanian Minister of Education and Sports Ogerta Manastirliu and heads of Islamic national Olympic committees attended, along with other dignitaries.

Q4. What did Prince Abdulaziz express gratitude for in his opening address?

A4. He expressed gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their continuous support and commitment to sports in the Islamic world.

Q5. Why did Prince Abdulaziz thank Albania?

A5. He thanked Albania’s leaders, people, and the Albanian National Olympic Committee for hosting the federation’s meetings.

Q6. What achievement did Prince Abdulaziz highlight about Islamic countries at the 2024 Paris Olympics?

A6. He noted that Islamic countries’ athletes secured 84 diverse medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Q7. Which athletes were specifically praised by Prince Abdulaziz?

A7. He praised the outstanding performance of athletes from Palestine at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Q8. What milestone will be celebrated in 2025 according to Prince Abdulaziz?

A8. The year 2025 will mark 20 years since the launch of the first Islamic Games in 2005.

Q9. Which city will host the sixth Islamic Solidarity Games?

A9. Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, will host the sixth edition of the Islamic Solidarity Games next November.

Q10. Who presented Saudi Arabia’s hosting plans for the games?

A10. Prince Fahd bin Jalawi bin Abdulaziz bin Musaed, Vice President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SOPC) and ISSF board member, presented the plans.

Q11. How many sports will feature in the sixth Islamic Solidarity Games?

A11. The sixth edition will feature 19 sports across four venues, including three Paralympic events.

Q12. What services will be provided during the Riyadh games?

A12. Comprehensive logistical services will be provided, including transportation, accommodation, medical, and technological services.

Q13. What reports were approved by the general assembly?

A13. The assembly approved the ISSF General Secretariat report for 2023-2024, financial and administrative reports, and the hosting file for the seventh Islamic Solidarity Games.

Q14. What other discussions took place during the general assembly?

A14. Discussions included proposed amendments to the federation’s constitution.

Q15. Which Saudi officials attended the meetings?

A15. Saudi Equestrian Federation President Prince Abdullah bin Fahd bin Abdullah and Saudi Esports Federation President Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz attended.

Q16. What is the ISSF’s primary mission?

A16. The ISSF promotes sports solidarity among member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) through events like the Islamic Solidarity Games.

Q17. How do these meetings benefit Islamic sports?

A17. They review progress, plan future events, and strengthen cooperation among member nations to advance sports development.

Q18. What is the significance of including Paralympic events in the Riyadh games?

A18. Including Paralympic events highlights a commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunities for athletes with disabilities in the Islamic world.

Q19. How do these developments support Saudi Vision 2030?

A19. They align with Vision 2030 by promoting sports as a driver of economic diversification, social development, and global engagement in Saudi Arabia.

Q20. What is the expected impact of the Riyadh games on regional sports?

A20. The games are expected to boost regional sports tourism, foster cultural exchange, and promote health and unity among member nations.

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