ANOC President Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah with Cuban National Olympic Committee President José Ramón Fernández Alvarez ©ANOC

Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) President Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah hailed the "good cooperation" between the sports movement and the Government after a two-day visit to Cuba.

During the trip, Sheikh Ahmad met with Cuban National Olympic Committee President José Ramón Fernández Alvarez as well as Cuban Sports Minister Dr Antonio Becali.

High on the agenda were Cuba's preparations for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, while the ANOC President was taken on a tour of the Estadio Latinoamericano Stadium in capital Havana.

There he met with National Federation Presidents and athletes - including some from the University of Havana which highlights a link between Cuban sport and education.

A visit was also made to Cuba's National Anti-Doping headquarters, which is recognised by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

Sheikh Ahmad said he was "delighted" to travel to the country, with his trip coinciding with a period of political and economic change in Cuba.

The historically Communist country has begun to open itself up to more to the world, even signing a truce-deal with long-term foes United States last year.

The visit came during a time of political change in Cuba
The visit came during a time of political change in Cuba ©ANOC

"Cuba is a country with a very rich sporting heritage and has produced many sporting champions," said Sheikh Ahmad.

"The country is undergoing a period of change at the moment and the progress it is making in developing its relationships within the international community truly reflects the Olympic spirit.

"I am very pleased to see there is good cooperation between the sports movement and the Government which helps ensure a positive environment for the athletes.

"Sport can play a key role not just in Cuba but in countries throughout the world in helping them build a brighter and more harmonious future.

"I have no doubt that the Cuban athletes competing at Rio 2016 will provide a source of inspiration and pride for the country.

“As ANOC President it is always a pleasure for me to visit our NOCs and see the fantastic work they are doing in their countries to promote sport and Olympism.

"It is also an invaluable opportunity for me to discuss any concerns they may be facing and the ways ANOC can improve the support we are providing them.

"At ANOC we are committed to constantly reforming and will do everything we can to deliver the best possible service for all our NOCs.”