The NOCs of Cambodia and Iran held "preliminary discussions" on the signing of an MoU ©Getty Images

The National Olympic Committees (NOCs) of Cambodia and Iran have revealed plans to enter a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen sporting ties between the two countries at a meeting in Phnom Penh prior to the Olympic Council of Asia's (OCA) General Assembly.

NOC of Cambodia (NOCC) President Thong Khon met with newly elected NOC of the Islamic Republic of Iran (NOCIRI) President Mahmoud Khosravi Vafa at the Sokha Hotel in Cambodia's capital to hold what have been described as "preliminary discussions" on the signing of an MoU.

Other high-profile attendees included NOCC secretary general Vath Chamroeun and former NOCIRI President Seyed Reza Salehi Amiri.

Thong expressed his gratitude to Iran for its support of Cambodian sports development, with its coaches assisting karate and wrestling athletes in their preparations for their home Southeast Asian Games next year.

Iran's London 2012 Olympic wrestling gold medallist Komeil Ghasemi is among those working with the Wrestling Federation of Cambodia.

Chamroeun said that plans were in place to build on the relationship between the two countries.

"We are planning to sign a Memorandum of Understanding covering sports development and tourism promotion in the near future," said Chamroeun, as reported by the Khmer Times.

"We also exchanged views on strengthening friendship between the two countries."

Iran's London 2012 Olympic wrestling gold medallist Komeil Ghasemi has already been working with the Wrestling Federation of Cambodia ©Getty Images
Iran's London 2012 Olympic wrestling gold medallist Komeil Ghasemi has already been working with the Wrestling Federation of Cambodia ©Getty Images

He also expressed his belief that an MoU could boost Cambodia's hopes at the Southeast Asian Games.

"I hope the MoU will be signed soon," he said.

"It will help us develop sports in Cambodia, which in turn will help us to win more medals at the next SEA [Southeast Asian] Games."

Phnom Penh is due to stage the OCA General Assembly on Tuesday (October 4) prior to its staging of the Southeast Asian Games in May next year.

Cambodia has competed at 10 editions of the Summer Olympic Games but has yet to win a medal, while Iran is among the most successful Asian nations with 24 golds, 23 silvers and 29 bronzes to its name.