The flag of Kuwait, the home country of Sheikh Ahmad, right, was raised before his meeting with Pat Hickey, centre ©ANOC

Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, the President of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC), has met with European Olympic Committees (EOC) head Patrick Hickey to discuss preparations for the Olympic year.

The two officials discussed supporting National Olympic Committees and their athletes ahead of the Games in Rio de Janeiro in August.

Both then travelled to Lillehammer for the ongoing Winter Youth Olympics in the Norwegian town.

Sheikh Ahmad, also the President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), met with Irishman Hickey at the Olympic Council of Ireland (OCI) headquarters in Dublin.

Hickey also serves as the President of the OCI.

Also attending the discussions were the director general of the OCA, Husain Al Musallam, OCI first vice president William O’Brien, OCI second vice president John Delaney and OCI secretary general Dermot Henihan.

"ANOC is striving to deliver an unprecedented level of assistance and support to all the world’s NOCs," said Sheikh Ahmad.

Pat Hickey welcomed ANOC President Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah in Dublin
Pat Hickey welcomed ANOC President Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah in Dublin ©Getty Images

"The only way we can achieve this is with the support of our five continental associations.

"My discussions with President Hickey have been extremely useful and I am looking forward to holding similar discussions with ONOC President Mitchell, ANOCA President Palenfo and PASO President Maglione.”

Hickey added: "As the President of the EOC and the OCI I am honoured to have had the opportunity to welcome Sheikh Ahmad to Dublin for a productive meeting.

“Under the leadership of Sheikh Ahmad, ANOC has provided its five continental associations with a clear direction in pursuing our common goal: to serve, promote and protect the common and collective interests of our NOCs.

"In an Olympic year this approach takes on an even greater importance and I am grateful for Sheikh Ahmad’s advice and support ahead of Rio 2016 and the Youth Olympic Games in Lillehammer.”