By Paul Osborne at the Susesi Convention Center in Belek

FINA and QOC sign Memorandum of Understanding as Qatar gets set to host the 3rd FINA World Aquatic Convention ©ITGApril 10 - A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) and International Swimming Federation (FINA) to recognise Doha as the hosts of the third edition of the World Aquatics Convention.

The Convention, due to be held from November 29 to December 1, will coincide with the 2014 World Short Course Swimming Championship in Qatar's capital from December 3 until 7, the first time that the two have been held side-by-side.

The MoU was signed by QOC secretary general Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani. and and FINA President Dr Juilo Maglione during the SportAccord International Convention here.

"It's our pleasure and honour to have the first convention that will go side and side with the World Short Course Swimming Championships in Doha this December," said QOC secretary general, Sheikh Saoud.

"I am very happy and honoured and, as the President mentioned, this will be a great event for everyone in Doha and we are very delighted to have this convention in addition to the World Championships.

"This is a long commitment on our side to FINA with the other championships series that we have here in Doha.

"We are sure of the support that we can give to FINA to ensure these championships will be one of the best World Championships to be held in Doha and will, from our side, show a commitment to deliver the best World Championships."

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by QOC secretary general Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani and FINA President Dr Juilo Maglione during the SportAccord International Convention ©ITGThe Memorandum of Understanding was signed by QOC secretary general Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani and FINA President Dr Juilo Maglione during the SportAccord International Convention ©ITG



The FINA World Aquatic Convention is a biennial event that enables all areas of the aquatic community to share knowledge and ideas, build relationships and develop an exciting and positive future for the sport.

The inaugural event took place in Uruguay in 2010, with the last edition being held at the World Trade Centre in Moscow two years ago.

"For us it's an all honour to do all this for the first time in Doha," said Maglione.

"We are sure that it will be an extraordinary and really a big festival of swimming a big festival of the aquatic discipline and that we are touched that they have opened the door for all the world to see."

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