/AzerNews/

By Nigar Orujova

Baku 2015 European Games has signed an extensive agreement with the Arab States Broadcasting Union (ASBU).

The significant deal will see guaranteed coverage of the inaugural European Games in 20 countries across the Middle East and North Africa.

The agreement means ASBU will offer free-to-air live coverage through its member broadcasters, with full Arabic commentary and highlights packages of the 17 days of competition also available.

The deal ensures coverage will be available in Algeria, Bahrain, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.

Chief Operating Officer of Baku 2015 Simon Clegg said: "This is a major moment for the Baku 2015 European Games and we are very proud to have secured the agreement with ASBU to provide coverage across the Middle East and North Africa."

"This agreement is proof that interest in the inaugural European Games extends beyond the shores of our continent and we are confident that with more agreements in the pipeline that the European Games will attract a truly global audience," he said.

ASBU is a long-time Olympic Games rights holder with a focus on delivering top-quality sports coverage to their member broadcasters. They held the rights for the London 2012 Olympic Games and will also broadcast the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in the region.

ASBU General Director Salah Eddine Maaoui said: "It is a great honor to have secured this important deal with Baku 2015. The first European Games will be a thrilling celebration of sport that fans all over the Arab world will enjoy. We are looking forward to bringing this historic event and the exciting action to the entire region."

ASBU will work closely with Baku 2015 host broadcaster International Sports Broadcasting and will manage their production through teams based in Baku during the Games. Live coverage of the Baku 2015 Opening and Closing Ceremonies has also been agreed.

Broadcast members will also be screening the content across their entire digital platforms to ensure enhanced coverage of the European Games for viewers.

The first European games will take place from June 12 to 28, 2015. More than 6,000 athletes will compete in a total of 20 sports over the 17 days of competition next year, with newspapers, websites, radio and TV stations all committed to covering the games.