Following a meeting between Olympic and Government representatives, the MoU was signed by both New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) President Mike Stanley and Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Alexander Zhukov, who is also head of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC). 

Stanley said the meeting was particularly positive and will significantly help New Zealand in their preparations for the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics.

It follows a similar MoU signed last week between the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) and the ROC.

"We are looking at access for New Zealand athletes to accommodation and training facilities at the Russian Winter Olympic Training Centre in Russia and access to coaching and performance expertise," said Stanley.

"We were also delighted at the commitment from Mr Zhukov to providing assistance and expertise in the development of a New Zealand House in Sochi for the Olympic Games in 2014."

The new relationship with the ROC will also provide access to influential business contacts for New Zealanders wishing to do business in Russia.

Zhukov also expressed an interest in coaching exchanges between Russia and New Zealand, as well as a desire to bring Russian athletes to New Zealand for competition and training.

"The signing of the MoU creates a significant base for the promotion of joint cooperation," he said.

NZOC secretary general Kereyn Smith added that the signing of the MoU was another step in using their international connections to build opportunities for New Zealand business and sport.

"We're building on the momentum of the Rugby World Cup and we'd like to see the Business Club model grow and develop around the upcoming Olympic Games in both London and Sochi," said Smith.

Zhukov is in New Zealand for the 2011 Rugby World Cup currently taking place in the country and will attend Russia's first ever Rugby World Cup game in New Plymouth this week where he will be joined by Stanley and Smith.

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