An official agreement was signed by Azad Rahimov, Azerbaijan's Minister of Youth and Sport and vice-president of the country's National Olympic Committee, following discussions at the Azerbaijan Embassy in London.

The agreement follows considerable discussions and a visit of six athletes and their coaches last August. 

The seven-day stay proved to the team that the facilities that Ipswich has to offer would be ideal for their preparations for the 2012 London Games. 

Judy Terry, Ipswich's Portfolio Holder for Culture and Leisure said: "We are delighted that Ambassador Fakhraddin Gurbanov has confirmed his country’s intentions to use Ipswich for the Azerbaijan team. 

"There have been considerable discussions between us and the Azerbaijani Minister Of Youth and Sport and the UK’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Dr Carolyn Browne, and we are pleased to have come to a positive conclusion."

Azerbaijan became an independent nation following the break-up of the Soviet Union it has sent athletes to every Games since Atlanta in 1996 and has won 16 medals, including four gold.

It sent a team of 39 athletes to Beijing in 2008 who competed in 10 sports.

They won seven medals, including a gold for Mammadli, who won the men's -73kg category.



Gurbanov said: "I am pleased that Azerbaijan has chosen Ipswich for its preparations for the London 2012 Games. 

"Ipswich is in unique position to provide first-rate training facilities - less than an hour away from the Olympic Park. 

"I am really looking forward to London hosting the Olympic Games and the opportunities it gives Azerbaijan to appear on the world stage.  I am personally looking forward to meeting our athletes in Ipswich and London."

John Stebbings, Ipswich Borough Council’s Major Projects Officer, said: "Confirmation that Azerbaijan are coming to Ipswich is fantastic; we now look forward to working with them to ensure that they have everything they need to prepare for the Games. 

"We are now awaiting more details of exactly what athletes Azerbaijan will be bringing but it is likely they will have athletes competing in judo, wrestling, shooting, athletics, karate, weightlifting and boxing."

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